Dermatologists' Top 10 Lotions for Healing Dry, Itchy Skin

10 Best Lotions for Dry Skin, Recommended by Dermatologists

Hydrate and soothe dry, itchy skin with these top creams and moisturizers.

Anyone with dry, flaky skin knows how uncomfortable and painful it can be. Luckily, body lotion can provide much-needed relief, but sometimes using one every day just isn’t enough.

Here, you’ll find the best lotions for dry skin, specially formulated to moisturize and soothe even the driest of skin.

But what exactly causes dry skin? The causes vary, from specific skin conditions to the natural consequences of skin aging, and of course the weather plays a big role, too.

“Cold weather disrupts the lipid bilayer membrane that protects our skin from environmental stressors.

This can lead to dry, sensitive skin, and the development of skin conditions like eczema,” explains Yoon-Soo Cindy Bae, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist at the Laser & Skin Surgery Center of New York.

It’s not just the cold air outside that can cause dandruff and itchiness; the dry heat indoors also holds little moisture, which can further dry out the skin.

To combat this, it’s essential to use a moisturizing lotion developed specifically for dry skin.

That’s why we’ve rounded up the best lotions, creams, and moisturizers recommended by dermatologists to soothe and heal dry, flaky skin.

When using these moisturizing lotions, be sure to watch out for other products,

such as: B. Body washes can even make dry skin worse, advises Diane Madfes, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist at Madfes Aesthetic Medical Center in New York City.

Opt for a gentle body wash to soothe dry skin, and avoid scrubs, which can exacerbate dry skin in the cold, dry air.

Are you ready to say goodbye to dry, chapped skin? Here, you’ll find the best lotions, creams, and moisturizers recommended by dermatologists for hydrated, soft skin year-round.

1. CeraVe Moisturizer

“Cerave Moisturizer is one of my favorite body moisturizers. It contains ceramides (lipids naturally found in the skin), glycerin, and hyaluronic acid to provide intense, deep hydration,” explains Dr. Cerave.

Madfes. “Ceramides work with cholesterol and fatty acids to ensure the skin barrier is healthy and intact, and to keep the skin hydrated.”

With near-perfect reviews from a whopping 122,000 buyers, this all-in-one cream is clearly a customer favorite.

2. Curél Anti-Itch Soothing Body Lotion

Ceramides, provitamin B5, and shea butter work together to provide immediate relief from dry, itchy skin. The fragrance-free formula is suitable for all skin types, including those with eczema.

It’s gentle enough to even be used on babies as young as six months old.

“About a week after bathing, I no longer feel itching or burning when applying, and my skin feels so much better,” one reviewer raves.

3. Curél Dry Skin Care Hydrating Silky Moisturizer

This moisturizer was praised by the Good Housekeeping Institute Beauty Lab for its lightweight, fast-absorbing texture.

A clinical study showed that 94% of testers also loved this soothing formula with ingredients like Advanced Ceramide Complex and Aloe Water, finding it made their skin feel healthier and more radiant.

“It absorbs quickly and leaves a silky feel that lasts all day,” one reviewer wrote. “After a week of use, I no longer have dry patches on my elbows and feet, and it’s not rough or itchy.

I’m pleased with the slightly smooth feeling after application, unlike the heavy feel of most lotions.

4. Vaseline Deep Care Advanced Repair Unscented Body Lotion

Vaseline Unscented Body Lotion received top marks for its moisturizing effects in the Good Housekeeping Institute Beauty Lab’s testing.

It provides 60% more moisture to the skin, ensuring it stays moisturized all day. It was also a hit with testers because of its fast-absorbing formula.

At less than $10 per 950-ml bottle, it’s very affordable.

This lotion worked well for me. After a few hours of applying various lotions, my skin became a little dry again. With Vaseline Deep Care Advanced Repair, this lotion lasted significantly longer.

“It’s long-lasting and non-greasy,” says one reviewer. “It’s so moisturizing, my skin soaks it up like a sponge!” Another plus: It’s fragrance-free, so it didn’t irritate my skin.

5. Lipikar Balm AP+

For sensitive skin prone to redness, itching, or irritation, La Roche-Posay’s Intense Balm for face and body is a great choice and recommended by the National Eczema Association.

It contains regenerative ingredients like shea butter, glycerin, and niacinamide (a redness-reducing B vitamin) to provide long-lasting hydration—one reviewer reports that his body eczema healed in a week.

Plus, it carries the seal of approval from Dr. Marchbein, because it’s thick enough to heal dry patches but still absorbs right into the skin, leaving little to no makeup behind.

6. First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream

This product isn’t just for the face—it can be used anywhere to really heal irritated skin.

PhD Gohara appreciates the ceramides, shea butter, and colloidal oatmeal, which soothe irritation, reduce itching, and leave skin feeling healthy.

I bought this for my husband, who has very dry skin and eczema. It didn’t take long for his hands to heal beautifully! One reviewer raved.

“If you’ve tried a lot of different lotions or creams and nothing worked, try these.”

7. Glow Recipe: Watermelon Glow Pink Dream Body Cream

Enriched with watermelon seed oil, this popular cream from Glow Recipe is lightweight, creamy, and hydrating, not to mention has a wonderful scent.

It’s especially effective for reducing uneven skin tone, and thanks to hibiscus AHA, it gently exfoliates to naturally smooth skin, while also delivering hydrating hyaluronic acid to leave skin looking refreshed.

First, it smells amazing! I’ve received so many positive reviews since using it. “It moisturized my skin and left it glowing without feeling sticky,” raved one Amazon reviewer.

“I love the exfoliating benefits of a lotion, but the scent is amazing, too. It’s light, but very hydrating,” said another shopper.

8. Eucerin Advanced Repair Cream

This highly-rated and affordable moisturizer not only contains ceramides, shea butter, and glycerin for intense hydration, but also lactic acid, an ultra-gentle alpha hydroxy acid (AHA), to gently exfoliate and make skin look smoother.

“My doctor recommended it to me, and I’m so happy with the results.

“I apply it to my palms and elbows every night, and the rough skin is gone,” one reviewer raves. But be warned: AHAs may make you sensitive to the sun, so you should wear sunscreen after use.

9. Kiehl’s 24-Hour Daily Moisturizing Face Cream

This cream, with hydrating ingredients like squalane and glacial glycoprotein, hydrates even the driest skin, which impressed the Good Housekeeping Institute.

It received the highest score in the Beauty Lab test, increasing skin moisture by 46.5% in six hours.

Testers also praised its “fine and silky” texture and its ability to hydrate skin without leaving a “sticky or heavy” residue.

Online reviewers also rave about the cream’s silky formula. “I put it on and I can literally hear my skin sigh. Instantly soft. Instantly airtight. Just one swipe.

It’s exactly what my skin needs.” ” one Amazon shopper wrote.

10. Aveeno Skin Relief Unscented Moisturizing Lotion

“This moisturizer, enriched with Triple Oat Complex and natural shea butter, is perfect for dry skin.

Its creamy formula spreads evenly on the skin and leaves a comfortable feeling,” Dr. Sparrow explained. The lotion has more than 29,000 five-star reviews on Amazon, and customers are very satisfied.

“I have very dry skin and this moisturizer keeps my skin hydrated all day long,” one reviewer wrote. “It absorbs easily and is non-greasy.”

DQH Knowledge drop: In your 20s, your skin cell turnover decreases. (Cell turnover is a key component in keeping your skin youthful.) You know what else slows down? Your collagen production. Starting in your 20s, collagen decreases by about 1 percent per year. Should you want to prevent fine lines and wrinkles, start by eliminating behaviors that contribute to premature aging. “If it’s bad for you, it’s bad for your skin,” says dermatologist Michel Somenek. “Cigarette smoking reduces blood flow to the skin and causes premature wrinkling and a dull skin texture. Making the repeated pursed motion to inhale can also cause smoker’s lines. Alcohol and recreational drugs are toxins for the skin that damage its cellular structure and DNA,” Somenek tells us. “The faster you eliminate vices while you are young, the better chance your skin and body have to recuperate.” Also, adopting an anti-aging routine in your 20s is key. After all, the best offense is a good defense. We spoke to Somenek and experts Joshua Ross and Audrey Kunin to find out more. Keep reading for the best anti-aging products for your 20s, according to skincare professionals. Sunscreen “We all know that the sun is the number one cause of skin aging and starting the prevention in your 20s is very important,” Ross says. “The majority of your sun damage won’t start to appear until you’re in your 30s, so don’t wait until you see it surface or you’ll be behind the curve. Stay ahead of it with a good-quality zinc-based sunscreen worn daily.” Farmacy Green Defense Daily Mineral Sunscreen An invisible sunscreen with SPF 30, plus botanical extracts meant to protect skin with tons of antioxidants. Bonus: It’s clean and fine to use under makeup. Bareminerals Complexion Rescue™ Tinted Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Although we recommend you use your SPF and moisturizer separately, we also understand moments when you don’t have time or energy for that extra step. For those times, this bareMinerals moisturizer is a great thing to have on hand. Vitamin C Serum “A great introduction to anti-aging is to start with a vitamin C serum in your morning skincare routine,” Ross says. “It’s a powerful antioxidant that will neutralize free radicals and brighten the skin.” He adds that it’s a great way to counteract the effects of the sun’s harmful rays, which, as previously mentioned, are among the biggest causes of premature aging. Drunk Elephant C-Firma™ Vitamin C Day Serum The Drunk Elephant C-Firma is a lightweight serum that promises to give skin a glow by combining the brightening powers of vitamin C with ferulic acid, l-ascorbic acid, and vitamin E. The included sodium hyaluronate is meant to replace hydration loss, so you shouldn’t have to deal with any irritation. Sunday Riley C.E.O. Rapid Flash Brightening Serum This potent serum is jam-packed with vitamin C (15 percent, to be exact), which means it’s a potential superstar at both brightening skin and dousing it in antioxidants. Peptides Using peptides on your skin has many benefits, says Somenek. “The skin barrier is what defends the body against pollution, UV rays, bacteria, and toxins. It can be damaged by several everyday factors. Using topical peptides aids in building a stronger barrier,” he says. “Peptides comprise elastic fibers, which are a type of protein. These fibers help to make skin appear taut and firm. Peptides can also help repair damaged skin, relieve inflammation, and even out skin tone. Some peptides can kill acne-causing bacteria that is common in 20-somethings.” Kunin agrees, saying, “Peptides are an excellent entry point for supporting collagen.” She recommends looking for face and eye treatments that contain these collagen-boosting powerhouses. Charlotte Tilbury Magic Eye Rescue Cream This Charlotte Tilbury super-emollient eye cream has a base of coconut oil and shea butter (read: it’s incredibly hydrating). Botanicals plus peptides are meant to help reduce dark circles and boost collagen, respectively. This creamy moisturizer serves up potent collagen-boosting peptides and pycnogenol, and antioxidant-rich vitamin C. “Instead of sitting on top of the skin, peptides penetrate the outer layer so they go deep. The ‘signals’ they send tell the cells to produce elastin and collagen, which are needed for youthful-looking skin,” explains Somenek. At-Home Peel Pads Remember that skin cell turnover fiasco we talked about earlier? One way to help support it is by exfoliating. “Exfoliation is important to help keep skin fresh and luminous,” Kunin says. She recommends using at-home peel pads as an easy and effective way to exfoliate. “The goal in your 20s is to fight the slowing pace of cell turnover. It is wise to use products that gently exfoliate, yet still remove oil and other impurities. Products that have Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA) or Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHA) are a good choice.” According to Somenek, you should only exfoliate two to three times a week. “People of all ages are guilty of over-exfoliating and that can be too much of a good thing,” he says. Dermadoctor Kakadu C Intensive Vitamin C Peel Pad A few swipes of this Derma Doctor powerful peel pad promise to leave your skin glowing and smooth, thanks to the seven (yes, seven) types of chemical exfoliants, including AHA and BHA. It also contains vitamin C via Kakadu plum extract for added brightening and antioxidant protection. KEY INGREDIENTS Kakadu plum extract is sourced from the Kakadu plum, a fruit grown in northern Australia. It contains vitamin C, which restores the skin’s natural barrier, increases collagen production, and soothes irritation. Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta® Universal Daily Peel Pads These are the gold standard of peel pads, with a cult following and over 900 five-star reviews on Sephora. They’re easy to use and contain a blend of anti-aging exfoliating acids. Emollient Night Cream “In your 20s, you need to start upping the hydration in your skincare routine. You may have been cautious of over-moisturizing because of acne in your teens, but as you enter your 20s, your skin transitions and becomes drier,” Ross says. “I recommend an emollient night cream added into your evening skincare regimen.” “Twenty-somethings need to make sure that they are not using creams that will clog their pores and cause excess oil production,” says Somenek. Opt for non-comedogenic products. Cerave Skin Renewing Night Cream One great choice is the CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream, which is a non-comedogenic night cream that leaves skin soft and glowy. It combines the moisturizing powers of ceramides and hyaluronic acid. RoC Retinol Correxion Max Hydration Creme “The best night cream ingredients contain retinol, benzoyl peroxide, and/or salicylic acid or hyaluronic acid. The goal is to moisturize, yet remove excess oil,” says Somenek. This Roc Retinol Correxion cream fits the bill as it contains both hyaluronic acid and retinol so it promises to moisturize while also being non-comedogenic.

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