By Sheila Leftridge | The Skin Truth
Dry skin, medically known as xerosis, occurs when the skin loses too much moisture. The good news is that a few simple habits can help restore hydration and protect your skin’s natural barrier.
Start by limiting showers to five to 10 minutes using warm, not hot, water. Choose a gentle cleanser instead of harsh soaps, and immediately apply a thick, fragrance-free moisturizer while your skin is still damp. This helps lock in moisture before it evaporates.
When shopping for products, look for creams and ointments that contain ingredients recommended by dermatologists.
Humectants draw moisture into the skin. Look for ingredients such as hyaluronic acid and glycerin.
Ceramides help repair the skin’s protective barrier, allowing it to retain moisture more effectively.
Occlusives create a protective layer that reduces water loss. Ingredients such as petrolatum, dimethicone and lanolin are excellent choices.
Humectants attract moisture, emollients soften rough skin, and occlusives seal everything in. For the best results, apply an occlusive over a moisturizer containing humectants to help keep skin hydrated longer.
Avoid alcohol-heavy products and deodorant soaps, which can strip away the skin’s natural oils and worsen dryness.
Recommended Products
Best Overall for Face and Body
CeraVe Moisturizing Cream is a dermatologist-developed moisturizer that combines three essential ceramides with hyaluronic acid to help restore the skin barrier and provide long-lasting hydration. It is fragrance-free, non-comedogenic and suitable for very dry skin and eczema-prone skin.
Best for Severely Dry or Cracked Skin
Aquaphor Healing Ointment contains 41% petrolatum, creating a breathable protective barrier that helps heal cracked hands, heels, elbows and other extremely dry areas.
Best Lightweight Facial Moisturizer
La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer contains ceramides, glycerin and niacinamide to hydrate while supporting the skin’s protective barrier. Its lightweight formula makes it an excellent daily facial moisturizer.
Moisture Tips for Melanin-Rich Skin
Melanin-rich skin can become dull or ashy when it lacks moisture. Rich creams and body butters often provide better hydration than lightweight lotions.
Cleanser: Use gentle, hydrating cleansers that won’t strip away natural oils.
Moisturizer: Choose rich creams or body butters formulated to deeply nourish dry skin.
Sunscreen: Daily sunscreen helps protect against dryness and hyperpigmentation. Products formulated for darker skin tones can provide protection without leaving a white cast.
Is Vaseline Good for Dry Skin?
Yes. Vaseline is one of the most effective products for preventing moisture loss. It works by creating a protective barrier over the skin that locks in existing moisture.
For best results, apply Vaseline immediately after bathing while your skin is still damp or layer it over a hydrating moisturizer. It works especially well on hands, feet, elbows, knees and lips.
Although Vaseline is considered non-comedogenic for most people, some individuals with oily or acne-prone skin may find it too heavy for facial use.
Don’t Forget Vitamin B3
Vitamin B3, also known as niacinamide, is another beneficial ingredient for dry skin. It helps strengthen the skin barrier, reduces moisture loss and improves hydration while calming irritation. Many daily moisturizers include niacinamide because of its ability to support healthier, smoother skin.
Healthy skin starts with protecting your skin’s natural barrier. Consistent moisturizing, gentle cleansing and choosing products with proven ingredients can help keep your skin soft, comfortable and hydrated all year long.
