The best lotions for dry skin help put uncomfortable, flaky skin in the past. With nourishing ingredients and continuous use, these powerful creams can transform even the driest of skin into smooth and hydrated.
Dry skin causes can range from a specific skin condition to the natural result of getting older (we lose moisture in our skin with age)—but the weather, of course, can also be a big culprit. “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. It’s not 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.
Using a hydrating lotion designed specifically for dry skin is key to replenishing skin. While applying these hydrating lotions, it’s important to be mindful of the other products you’re using—like your body wash, which can make dry skin worse, says Diane Madfes, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist at Madfes Aesthetic Medical Center in New York City. 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:
Best Highly Rated Lotion for Dry SkinCeraVe Moisturizing CreamRead more
Best Overall Lotion for Dry SkinKiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream 24-Hour Daily MoisturizerRead more
Best Value Lotion for Dry SkinVaseline Intensive Care Advanced Repair Unscented Body LotionRead more Ready to say goodbye to dry, parched skin? Ahead, find top-rated and dermatologist-recommended lotions, creams, and moisturizers for achieving hydrated, silky-soft skin year-round.