
The Best Body Moisturiser for Dry Skin
No one enjoys having dry skin – it can be irritating to the point of pain, and for many people it's a quality that makes them self-conscious. The best body moisturisers are able to leave you feeling silky smooth and hydrated, and - most importantly - comfortable in the skin you’re in. Learn more about the causes of dry skin and how to pick the best body moisturiser for your needs.
Understanding Dry Skin
Dry skin can occur for lots of reasons. Some people are born with skin that naturally leans towards the dryer end of the spectrum, whereas some people have dry skin due to the elements and their environment. Extreme cases of dry skin can be uncomfortable and can be a result of (and in some cases lead to) medical conditions.
Our skin naturally dries as we get older, so it’s good to get into the habit of moisturising your body early, to support its overall health.
Common causes of dry skin
Common causes of dry skin include:
- Weather – seasonal changes and harsh weather can impact your skin's health. For example, frequent exposure to cold, harsh wind can chap exposed skin.
- Genetics – your skin may just be naturally on the dry side.
- Harsh soaps - products with harsh ingredients can dry out your skin over time by stripping your skin of its natural oils.
- Medical conditions – dermatological conditions such as eczema can result in very dry, flaky and irritated skin.
The impact of dry skin on health
Skin that is well-moisturised heals more quickly and serves as a better barrier against the elements we come into contact with every single day. Keeping your skin moisturised isn’t merely an aesthetic concern – it can have a surprising impact on your overall health.
Key Ingredients to Look for in Body Moisturisers
When purchasing a new moisturiser, it’s always good to have an idea of the kinds of ingredients you want to see listed on the back. Here is our list of ingredients to keep an eye out for when looking for the best body moisturiser for dry skin.
Humectants
The role of humectants in cosmetics is to draw in moisture and keep it there. This is why you will find humectant ingredients in a wide variety of skin and haircare products. Some popular humectants include glycerin, hyaluronic acid, and honey.
Emollients
Emollients also hydrate the skin, and are particularly good at soothing and softening dry, rough skin textures. Well-known emollients include natural oils and butters and liquid paraffin.
Occlusives
Occlusives form a barrier on top of your skin to keep moisture from evaporating before it has had a chance to sink in. Petroleum jelly is a great example of a common occlusive.
Additional beneficial ingredients
There are a wide range of ingredients that can help to provide skin with moisture. Depending on your skin’s unique qualities and any allergies you may have, there will undoubtedly be some ingredients that give you better results than others. For example, if you have very sensitive skin, you may respond well to natural, gentle ingredients such as aloe vera.
Top Body Moisturisers for Dry Skin
Here are some of the best body moisturisers for dry skin currently available on the market.
- CeraVe Moisturising Cream – for dry to very dry skin, this is a rich cream made with ceramides and hyaluronic acid, perfect to leave you feeling silky smooth and hydrated all day long.
- CeraVe SA Smoothing Cream – this cream contains salicylic acid, making it perfect for smoothing over the bumpy textures that can sometimes accompany dry skin.
- Burt’s Bee’s Hemp Body Lotion – made up of largely natural ingredients including hemp seed oil, this lotion is beautifully fragrant while still being suitable for sensitive skin.
- La Roche-Posay Lipikar Moisturising Body Balm - gentle enough to be suitable for all ages but hydrating enough to provide relief to conditions like eczema, the glycerin and shea butter in this body balm packs a powerful punch.
Our best body moisturiser criteria
Consider the following factors before buying a new moisturiser to make sure you select the best moisturiser for your unique needs:
- Does your skin have any special requirements? E.g. eczema, roughness.
- Do you mind if a moisturiser leaves you feeling greasy?
- What do reviews say about the product you’re considering?
- Are there any ingredients that may cause irritation?
- Do any medical or dermatological professionals endorse the product you’re considering?
If you can answer the questions above, you’ll likely have all of the information you need to be confident in your moisturiser selection. Here are a few more things to consider when testing and applying moisturiser.
Tips for testing moisturisers
It’s always advisable to do a patch test when applying a new product to your skin. This means that, in the event of an allergic reaction, you haven’t applied the product to an uncomfortably large area (or wasted your money). If you can identify the particular ingredient that has caused your reaction you will be able to avoid it in the future.
A patch test will show you any immediate reactions a moisturiser may cause, but getting an idea of its long-term effectiveness can take up to two weeks, so it’s important to not give up on a product just because you don’t see immediate results.
Techniques for effective application
Moisturiser is best applied after a bath or shower, as warm, damp skin is particularly absorbent. Massage moisturiser into your skin, focusing on any particularly dry or cracked areas (e.g. knees, elbows, the heels of your feet). Sometimes it’s useful to incorporate moisturising as part of a morning or bedtime routine – whenever you prefer to shower.
A rich moisturiser may leave your skin feeling slightly greasy but shouldn’t leave you too slippery – you might not want the product to transfer onto your clothes or bedding. You’ll need to experiment with the quantity of moisturiser you use to find the perfect balance between rich hydration and comfortable absorption time.
Drench Dry Skin
Look through our wide range of body lotions to see if there’s something to smooth your skin.e able to leave you feeling silky smooth and hydrated, and - most importantly - comfortable in the skin you’re in. Learn more about the causes of dry skin and how to pick the best body moisturiser for your needs.