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.