Skin, the most significant part of our body, has an average area of 21 square ft. and plays a crucial role in protecting our body against pathogens. Dry skin is a skin condition where the skin lacks the adequate amount of moisture in the epidermal layer. In medical terms, dry skin may also be called xerotic dermatitis. Its symptoms include itching, rough and dull appearance of the skin, skin cracks which in severe conditions may bleed, mild to extreme peeling, and scaling of the skin. It may be noted here that this condition may last for a few days to a few weeks.

The epidermal layer of the skin contains fat and protein globules. This layer is responsible for keeping our skin hydrated. Repeated washing with chemical cleaners, hand soaps, and harsh climate results in the removal of fatty oil from the surface, causing it to dry up and thus making it prone to break down and other ailments.

However, it has been observed that some people are more likely to have dry skin as compared to others. The condition of dry skin may go unnoticed in some cases where there is only a fine white powdery appearance on the skin.

Precautions

There are various ways to reduce the incidence of dry skin, some of which are mentioned below.

• You should aim to drink at least 2-2.5 liters of water daily.

• Use mild and gentle soaps and cleanser.

• Avoid taking showers very frequently.

• Use lukewarm water for the shower; avoid using water, which is too hot or too cold.

Treatment

The precautions listed for treating dry skin might not work for everyone. It is, therefore, advisable to use moisturizers as a part of your skincare routine. Listed below are some of the best dry skin moisturizers available.

Minéral 89 from Vichy Laboratories: It contains about 89% thermal water which helps in keeping the skin hydrated as well as fight visible signs of aging, giving you a radiant and a hydrated look. It is said to be composed of 15 mineral enriched water combined with hyaluronic acid, making it one of the most versatile dry skin moisturizers. Its 50 ml bottle costs about $29.50.

Charlotte Tilbury Charlotte’s Magic Cream: Priced at $100, it contains antioxidants, peptides, and hyaluronic acid, which help in rejuvenating the skin and give it a natural glow. It is highly recommended by Charlotte Tilbury, a renowned celebrity makeup artist.

No7 Beautiful Skin day cream: Enriched with glycerin, ceramides and shea butter, this cream gives instant nourishment and keeps the skin hydrated throughout the day. Suited for dry and very dry skin types, it has SPF 15 that helps protect your skin from harmful UV radiation. It is priced at $14.99 in most online stores.

Nivea Cocoa Butter body lotion: Nivea comes with its cocoa butter body lotion to combat dry skin. Priced at $5.79, it is certainly a product which will satisfy its consumer’s needs.

Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gel Cream: With its gel-cream formulation, it spreads easily over the skin, making it feel soft, nourished, devoid of any greasy sensation and give you long-lasting moisturized feeling throughout the day. Priced at $13, it is certainly one of the cheapest in the list.

Herbal cure: If you are looking for herbal dry skin moisturizers devoid of any artificial chemicals, then you must go for products based on aloe vera, or you can try St. Ives Collagen Elastin Mobilizer made from 100% natural ingredients with its main constituent being Safflower oil. It is priced at $4.92 at most convenient stores

Other popular dry skin moisturizers: Some of the common dry skin moisturizers include Queen Helen Hand and Body Lotion ($1.97), Vaseline Petroleum Jelly($4.17), and Johnson’s Baby Oil Gel to moisturize skin ($3.92). These products are readily available at any store near you.

If regular use of dry skin moisturizer on your skin is not very efficient, you should always use these on damp skin to trap the moisture present on the surface. Additionally, you must not apply moisturizer on drenched skin as it can  hamper its effectiveness.

Dry skin is a major problem among most individuals, especially during the freezing winter months. It causes disturbance both in physical as well as mental wellbeing of the person suffering from this problem. You must take all preventive measure to stop its occurrence. However, for dry skin treatment, you should use creams which contain glycerin, shea butter, petroleum, mineral oil, hyaluronic acid, etc. Love the skin you are in and don’t let anything change that.