Yahoo Lifestyle Dermatologists Say These Body Lotions Work Wonders on Extremely Dry Skin
- 1/14
Dermatologists Say These Body Lotions Work Wonders on Extremely Dry Skin
We updated this article in December 2022 to add more information about each featured product, based on extensive research done by our team.
We all know the discomfort that comes with dry, flaky skin—whether the cause is a skin condition, the weather, or even just the natural result of getting older. Thankfully, slathering on some body lotion can help you get some relief, but you might find that your ordinary, everyday lotion just won’t cut it. The best lotion for dry skin will deliver the right ingredients to hydrate and soothe parched, lizard-like skin—even in the dead of winter, when dryness is typically at its worst.
“Cold weather can disrupt the lipid bilayer, which protects our skin from the environment, thereby causing skin dryness, sensitivity, and flaring skin conditions like eczema,” explains Yoon-Soo Cindy Bae, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist at Laser & Skin Surgery Center of New York. But it’s not even just the outdoor cold air that can lead to flakiness and itchiness; the dry heat indoors also contains little humidity, which can further parch your skin.
To combat this, using a hydrating lotion designed specifically for dry skin is key. But it’s important to be mindful of the other products you’re using, too—like your body wash, which can actually make dry skin worse, says Diane Madfes, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist at Madfes Aesthetic Medical Center in New York City. That’s why you’ll want to choose a mild body wash to soothe dry skin and skip exfoliating cleansers, which can exacerbate dryness when the air is cold and dry.
Meet the Experts: Yoon-Soo Cindy Bae, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist at Laser & Skin Surgery Center of New York, Diane Madfes, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist at Madfes Aesthetic Medical Center in New York City, Shari Sperling, D.O., board-certified dermatologist of Sperling Dermatology, Shari Marchbein, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist at Downtown Dermatology in New York City, Mona Gohara, M.D., board-certified dermatologist and member of Prevention’s Medical Review Board
Our top picks:
Below, we’ve rounded up the very best lotions, creams, and moisturizers recommended by dermatologists to help soothe and heal dry, flaky skin. Whether you’re looking for an everyday body lotion or a special ointment for dry, cracked feet, consider these top-rated products to keep all skin types feeling silky smooth year-round.
CeraVe, Eucerin - Hearst Owned - 2/14
Moisturizing Cream
CeraVe
amazon.com
$17.78
“Cerave Moisturizing Cream is one of my all-time favorite body moisturizers, and contains ceramides (a lipid naturally found in skin), glycerin, and hyaluronic acid to pack a powerful punch of deep moisturizing and hydration,” says Dr. Marchbein. “Together with cholesterol and fatty acids, ceramides are responsible for creating a healthy, intact skin barrier and retaining moisture in the skin.” With a nearly-perfect rating from a whopping 107k reviews, this all-over cream is a clear tester favorite, too.
CeraVe - 3/14
Advanced Repair Lotion
Eucerin
amazon.com
$11.49
This highly-rated and affordable lotion not only contains ceramides, shea butter, and glycerin for intense hydration, but also contains lactic acid, an ultra-gentle alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) that gently exfoliates your skin for a smoother appearance. "I have tried so many different brands of lotions I can't count them all ... This stuff works like magic. My hands and feet are now healed and soft," raves one reviewer. "The price for the size can't be beat for the healing it does." Just note that AHAs can make you sun-sensitive, so you'll want to slather on the sunscreen afterward.
Eucerin - 4/14
Lipikar Balm AP+
La Roche-Posay
amazon.com
$19.99
If you have sensitive skin prone to getting red, itchy, or irritated, this heavy-duty cream from La Roche-Posay—which can be used for both your face and body—is a great pick, as it's accepted by the National Eczema Association. Thanks to its restorative ingredients of shea butter, glycerin, and niacinamide (a B vitamin that reduces redness), it provides long-lasting hydration—with one reviewer saying that it that cleared up their body eczema in just one week. Plus, it has Dr. Marchbein's stamp of approval for being thick enough to heal dry patches, but still being able to sink right into the skin for a barely-there finish.
La Roche-Posay - 5/14
Skin Relief Fragrance-Free Moisturizing Lotion
Aveeno
amazon.com
$9.59
"Formulated with a triple oat complex and natural shea butter, this body lotion works great for those with dry skin. Its creamy formula spreads evenly and nicely on the skin,” explains Dr. Sperling. And with five stars and over 12k ratings on Amazon, customers love the lotion, too. "I have very dry skin and this body lotion keeps my skin moisturized all day," one reviewer writes. "It absorbs easily into the skin and it is not greasy."
Aveeno - 6/14
Ultra Repair Cream
First Aid Beauty
amazon.com
$15.92
This one isn’t just for your face—it can be used all over to truly repair angry skin. Dr. Gohara loves that it has ceramides, shea butter, and colloidal oatmeal, which work to soothe irritation, relieve itch, and leave skin feeling healthy. “I got this for my husband, who has very dry skin and eczema. After a while of using it his hands have healed up great!” one reviewer raves. “If you have tried many many different lotions or creams but none have worked, then give this a try.”
First Aid Beauty - 7/14
Xeracalm A.D Lipid-Replenishing Balm
Avène
amazon.com
$34.00
For especially sensitive skin types, this lotion from Avène boasts a National Eczema Association seal of acceptance, as it’s suitable for eczema or atopic dermatitis-prone skin. That’s thanks to strong moisturizers (glycerin and mineral oil) and what it leaves out; it has no ingredients that can cause irritation, such as preservatives, parabens, or fragrances. This one pulls double duty, as you can use it on your face and body.
Avène - 8/14
Daily Moisturizing Body Lotion
Aveeno
amazon.com
$9.51
Looking for a lightweight, non-greasy lotion that's perfect for daily use? Another great pick from Aveeno, this fragrance-free and non-comedogenic lotion recommended by Dr. Madfes is gentle enough to use every day—and promises to moisturize dry skin for a full 24 hours. Colloidal oatmeal has a soothing effect and reinforces skin’s barrier, while moisturizers like dimethicone, glycerin, and petrolatum works to smooth skin. "After three days of using this twice per day on legs and hands, I noticed a huge difference,” one customer explains. “My skin is no longer flaking or cracking.”
Aveeno - 9/14
Salve for Cracked Skin
Gehwol Med
nordstrom.com
$24.00
This ointment moisturizes parched skin while soothing inflammation, making it perfect for dry, cracked heels. Created with lanolin, Vaseline, vitamin B5, and lavender, it’s ideal for healing even the most stressed-out skin. And would you look at that super-cool tube? “Gehwol is excellent for cracked skin (heels, split skin on hands from dry winter weather, and anything else that has been abused by indoor heat),” one reviewer explains. “I apply the cracked skin salve on my feet, then cover with socks to absorb any excess. It does wonders!”
Gehwol Med - 10/14
Moisturizing Lotion
Cetaphil
amazon.com
$15.08
You might be familiar with Cetaphil for their face washes, but the brand also offers great lotions, too. With a hypoallergenic, fragrance-free, and non-comedogenic (meaning it won't clog pores) formula that packs glycerin, vitamin B5, and niacinamide, this lightweight and non-greasy lotion is ideal for use on the entire body and is also great for sensitive skin. “The intense, moisture-rich formula binds water to the skin and protects from dryness for 24 hours,” Dr. Bae says.
Cetaphil - 11/14
Skin Food
Weleda
amazon.com
$12.49
Weleda’s Skin Food is a cult-favorite, thanks to its natural ingredients, thick formula, and serious versatility. Slather this on any dry patch—whether it be on your face, elbows, hands, feet, or knees—and its base of oils and beeswax will get to work to repair and hydrate damaged skin. Plus, it boasts a botanical fragrance that smells exactly like spring. “It is amazing, thick, creamy goodness that feels like heaven when applied to your body,” one reviewer says.
Weleda - 12/14
Hydro Boost Body Gel Cream
Neutrogena
amazon.com
$10.17
This body cream may feel ultra-light, but it has heavy hydrating power. Infused with hyaluronic acid, glycerin, dimethicone, and petrolatum, it has all the key players needed to deliver moisture and lock it into the skin. Bonus: The formula is fragrance- and paraben-free and fast-absorbing so you’re never left with a sticky, smelly mess. One reviewer even says “I wish I could bathe in a vat of this wonderful body gel cream!”
Neutrogena - 13/14
Itch Defense Calming Body Lotion
Curél
amazon.com
$9.79
Ceramides, pro-vitamin B5, and shea butter team up to provide instant relief for dry, itchy skin. The fragrance-free formula works on all skin types, even for those who struggle with eczema. In fact, it’s so gentle that you can use it on babies six months and up. “After about a week of applying this after my showers, I had no itching, no stinging on application, and my skin felt a whole lot more comfortable,” one reviewer raves.
Curél - 14/14
Advanced Therapy Lotion
Lubriderm
amazon.com
$10.87
This silky-smooth, non-greasy lotion hydrates the skin all day long, protects from chafing and cracking, and leaves skin feeling soft instead of sticky. Glycerin gives the formula extra slip, while vitamins E and B5 nourish and strengthen—earning it a spot in our 2019 Beauty Awards. “It has been the most effective and soothing lotion I have ever used,” an Amazon reviewer explains. “My skin is already really dry, so it’s a miracle if I can get it healed and smooth. This lotion is that miracle.”
Lubriderm
