Maximise Hydration: Best Body Moisturisers for Dry Skin

What Causes Dry Skin?

How often have you experienced frustrating and uncomfortable conditions and situations due to dry skin? Have you faced challenges when selecting the appropriate body moisturiser for your dry skin condition? 

When the weather changes, dry and flaky skin becomes a common concern. No one likes to have flakes on the skin that do not let any makeup sit on the skin properly. Plus, dry skin also brings itchiness, flaking, and discomfort. With so many options in the market, it can be challenging to choose the best lotion for dry skin unless someone offers you some guidelines.

As an entity that specialises in natural skincare options, we've identified the best body moisturisers for dry skin that are dermatologist-approved. We recommend these lotions not only because they are effective moisturisers, but because they are also gentle and safe to use. 

So, if you're struggling with dry skin, keep reading—our tips will offer the hydration and nourishment you have been looking for.

Signs and Symptoms of Dry Skin

Dry skin is an uncomfortable skin condition you wouldn’t wish to experience. It looks and feels rough, itchy, flaky or scaly. Signs and symptoms of dry skin might vary based on age, health status, skin tone, living environment and sun exposure. They include:

Dehydration

A  dehydrated skin has lost excessive moisture. Signs of dehydrated skin include dryness, noticeable fine lines, and itchiness.

Dehydrated skin is a skin condition that occurs when there’s a lack of water in the skin. Dehydrated skin typically looks dull and can show premature signs of ageing, like surface wrinkles and loss of elasticity.

How Does Dehydrated Skin Look Like?

Flakes and Rough Texture

Skin flakes, also known as dandruff or seborrheic dermatitis, are white or yellowish flakes that appear on the scalp or skin. At times your skin may lose lots of moisture making it flake off hence the rough texture especially during the winter months or in low-humidity areas.

Cracks in the Skin

Dry skin, or xerosis, is the most common cause of cracked skin. In smooth and hydrated skin, natural oils prevent the skin from drying out by retaining moisture. As the skin dries out, it loses moisture and shrinks which can lead to cracking. Some cracks can become deep and may bleed.

Itchiness

Itchy skin is an irritating sensation that makes you want to scratch.It's also called pruritus. Itchy skin is often caused by dry skin and is common in older adults, as skin tends to become drier with age. Depending on the cause of your itchiness, your skin may look no different than usual or it may be inflamed, rough or have bumps.

Wrinkled With a Rough, Loose Texture

Ageing skin naturally becomes thinner and saggier because the body produces less collagen and elastin. The skin develops wrinkles and a rough texture. 

Peeling Skin

The outer layer of our skin continually renews itself. As it does so, the body sheds dead skin cells. You usually don’t see this shedding. When the skin sheds more than the usual number of skin cells, such as when the skin becomes excessively dry, it can peel off.

Other signs of dry skin include:

  • A feeling of skin tightness
  • Redness or irritation
  • Dullness

MotherSage’s Picks for the Best Moisturisers for Dry Skin in 2024

Quality moisturisers can help soothe and repair dry, itchy, and irritated skin. A moisturiser is an essential piece of any Skincare Routine. It helps maintain your skin’s moisture barrier and protects your skin from environmental damage.

For that, you’ll need to moisturise to create a protective seal on the surface and lock in moisture. A thick, emollient moisturiser will help prevent water from leaving your skin and, with the right formula, will provide the nutrients and nourishment your complexion needs to thrive.

We have selected the most highly recommended moisturisers for your dry skin. For each product, we have considered price aspects, customer reviews and any possibly harmful ingredients.

AmLactin Daily Moisturising Lotion for Dry Skin

How Long Does it Take AmLactin Lotion to Work?

It has a clinically proven 12% lactic acid that boosts the skin’s natural renewal process through gentle exfoliation. This moisturiser instantly hydrates and deeply moisturises to help relieve rough skin for softer, smoother skin.

It deeply moisturises rough, dry skin, leaving it soft and smooth. AmLactin hydrating moisturiser helps relieve symptoms of skin conditions such as keratosis pilaris and dry skin and comes in a convenient pump bottle for easy application!

Below are some of the key benefits and cons of AmLactin hydrating moisturiser according to the sampled reviews.

Key Benefits:

  • Deeply moisturises rough, dry skin
  • Boosts healthy skin renewal through gentle exfoliation
  • Leaves dry skin soft and smooth
  • Non-greasy, fragrance-free and paraben-free

Cons

  • The smell of the lotion is not pleasant to everyone, and one may take some time to get used to it.
  • It may not be suitable for people with sensitive skin.
  • The lotion may tingle or burn upon application

MotherSage CBD Body Butter

This award-winning CBD body butter deeply nourishes and repairs dry, irritated and inflamed skin while improving its flexibility and smoothness.

Our gorgeous natural CBD-infused balm melts into the skin and is quickly absorbed without leaving a greasy residue.

Key Benefits

  • Its natural ingredients thoroughly nourish and soothe dry, irritated skin.
  • CBD’s unique anti-itch properties help to soothe itching and relieve skin irritation.
  • Plant-based oils like Jojoba Oil and the rich tree nut oils found in Shea Butter create a soft barrier that locks in moisture and seals in the nutrients keeping the skin hydrated all year round.
  • Protect the skin against free radicals and environmental aggressors. CBD is a more powerful anti-oxidant on the skin than other anti-oxidants such as Vitamins C & E.

Cons

  • Some reviewers felt it was slightly priced.

Andalou Naturals Purple Carrot + C Luminous Night Cream

How do you use luminous night cream?

This night-face cream from Andalou Naturals focuses on renewing surface skin cells. It is designed to absorb easily into your skin and work overnight to revitalise your complexion. Andalou Naturals Purple Carrot + C Luminous Night Cream formula helps defend against UV damage, hyperpigmentation, and premature ageing.

It is formulated with natural ingredients that help with skin regeneration, removing and preventing scars and stretch marks, and promoting overall skin health. You may ask what is the difference between body lotions and body creams. Body lotions help hydrate and soothe. Body lotions and body creams provide similar moisturising benefits but offer different texture options.

Key Benefits

  • Helps defend against UV damage, hyperpigmentation, and premature ageing
  • Boosts collagen and elastin for an even skin tone
  • Has Aloe vera that hydrates and protects the skin’s moisture barrier

Cons

  • Some reviewers report a burning sensation
  • Other reviewers dislike strong tangy scent

NIVEA Nourishing Body Milk

NIVEA Nourishing Body Milk is a rich and creamy body lotion that is specially formulated for very dry skin. It contains two times more almond oil than the regular NIVEA body lotion. It effectively moisturises to perceptibly reduce the roughness of dry skin. It also hydrates your skin for up to 48 hours and helps the skin feel soft, smooth and healthy-looking. 

Key Benefits

  • Available in four different sizes.
  • Travel friendly (smallest size option).
  • Spread and absorb easily.
  • Makes skin a little soft with regular use.
  • Not too heavy on the skin.
  • Non-greasy and non-sticky formula. 

Cons

  • Contains alcohol and fragrance.
  • Do not keep skin moisturised for 48 hours.

What is Nivea Nourishing Lotion Body Milk Used for?

Eucerin Advanced Repair Cream

Is it OK to use Eucerin Advanced Repair on your face?

Eucerin Advanced Repair Cream is a breakthrough in repairing very dry skin and provides 48-hour moisture for skin health. The formula gives immediate relief and delays the symptoms of very dry skin.

Key Benefits

  • Contains ceramides that work to repair the skin barrier and reduce moisture loss enhancing intense hydration
  • Suitable for mature-looking skin and conditions affecting the skin, such as xerosis, psoriasis, and diabetes
  • Paraben-free for sensitive skin
  • Contains a protective barrier safeguarding the skin against the harsh environment

Cons

  • Not safe for people with a lanolin allergy
  • The cream is thick and adhesive

Curel Fragrance-Free Lotion

What are the side effects of Curél lotion?

Curel Fragrance-Free & Sensitive Hypoallergenic Lotion is a dermatologist-recommended daily moisturising lotion that relieves dry, sensitive skin and keeps it hydrated all day.

Key Benefits:

  • The hypo-allergenic formula is great for sensitive skin. 
  • It is non-greasy and absorbs quickly. 
  • Gentle enough to use on the face.

Cons

  • It may not be moisturising enough for extremely dry skin.
  • The lotion may feel a bit greasy on the skin.
  • The pump may not work properly.

Cetaphil Advanced Relief Lotion

What is Cetaphil Daily Advance lotion used for?

This nourishing lotion is clinically proven to smooth roughness and reveal more radiant skin in 1 use. It immediately soothes and locks in moisture to relieve continuously or persistently dry skin making it an effective lotion. Ideal for use all over the body. 

We highly recommend the Cetaphil Advanced Relief Lotion for anyone with dry, sensitive skin looking for a dermatologist-recommended product.

Key Benefits:

  • Paraben free
  • Hypoallergenic
  • Won’t clog pores
  • Fragrance-Free
  • Dermatologist tested
  • Defends against 5 signs of skin sensitivity

Cons

  • The lotion can be a bit greasy and may take a while to fully absorb into the skin.
  • Some users may not like the lack of fragrance in the product.
  • The bottle may be too small for those who use lotion frequently.

CeraVe Moisturising Cream

What are the benefits of CeraVe moisturizing cream?

CeraVe Moisturising Cream is a go-to moisturiser that replenishes dry skin ensuring instant hydration. Created by dermatologists, the cream contains ceramides that help skin retain moisture and protect it against environmental influences.

This moisturiser is often recommended for people who have psoriasis and eczema with overwhelmingly positive reviews. 

Key Benefits:

  • Hyaluronic acid helps retain the skin’s moisture
  • Has three essential ceramides that work together to help restore the skin barrier
  • It is developed by dermatologists
  • Minimises the appearance of dark spots

Cons

  • Some reviewers find the consistency to be more watery than creamy
  • Might not be the best option if you have severely cracked skin

Struggling with dry lips, too? Check out our guide to getting rid of dry lips here

Your Quick Guide to the Best Ingredients for Dry Skin

One of the greatest challenges you may encounter when choosing a moisturiser that best suits your skin type is the ingredients to look out for. Armed with the key ingredients, you're on the path to soft, hydrated skin. Let's explore some of the key ingredients that lock in moisture and prevent water loss from the skin.

Hyaluronic Acid

It is a powerful humectant naturally found in the skin and can hold up to 1,000 times its weight in water, making it a hydration hero. It pulls moisture from the air, ensuring your skin remains plump and dewy throughout the day.

Considering this key ingredient before purchasing your moisturiser would be helpful.

CBD (Cannabidiol)

It is a non-psychoactive component derived from the hemp plant. Apart from its calming properties, CBD offers rich moisturisation, helping to soothe and reduce dryness-induced irritation. It is found CBD oil, CBD balm, CBD bath salts. CBD Butter Oil in particular deeply hydrates the skin while locking in moisture and encouraging softer, rejuvenated skin. As the oil does not contain water, it can seal the nutrients in while keeping environmental stressors out.

Other key ingredients include:

  • Hemp Seed Oil
  • Almond Oil
  • Jojoba Oil
  • Shea Butter
  • Ceramides
  • Glycerin
  • Squalane 
  • Cocoa Butter

  • We have also compiled tips for hydrating different types of skin worth your read.

    Moisturising Routine: Maximise Hydration

    A moisturiser for dry skin is a must in any skincare routine and body care. Select a good skin cream with hydrating elements such as hyaluronic acid and ceramides. Integrate moisturising habits into your daily routine for healthy, hydrated skin. Also, craft a complete skincare plan tailored to your specific needs.

    So, there you have it—the ultimate guide for the best moisturises for dry skin! Remember that everyone's different; what works for others might not work for you. So dive into a world of hydration and indulgence with MotherSage CBD Skincare Products and let us know how it goes. Remember, consistency is key! Stick to your moisturising routine religiously for the best results!

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