From the Guidelines
For treating dry skin, I strongly recommend using a thick, fragrance-free moisturizing cream containing ingredients like ceramides, hyaluronic acid, glycerin, or petrolatum, as supported by the most recent and highest quality study 1. The best creams to treat dry skin include:
- CeraVe Moisturizing Cream
- Eucerin Original Healing Cream
- Vanicream Moisturizing Skin Cream
- Aquaphor Healing Ointment These products work by repairing the skin barrier, which prevents water loss and protects against irritants. Key ingredients to look for in a moisturizer include:
- Ceramides: help rebuild the skin's natural protective layer
- Humectants like hyaluronic acid and glycerin: draw water into the skin
- Occlusives like petrolatum: create a protective seal over the skin surface To get the most out of these creams, apply them immediately after bathing while your skin is still slightly damp to lock in moisture. For severely dry skin, apply twice daily or as needed. Additionally, to maintain overall hydration and prevent dry skin, it's essential to:
- Avoid hot showers
- Use gentle cleansers
- Drink plenty of water If your dry skin persists despite regular use of these creams, consider consulting a dermatologist as it may indicate an underlying condition requiring different treatment, as suggested by 1 and 1.
From the FDA Drug Label
Indications and Usage For debridement and promotion of normal healing of hyperkeratotic surface lesions, particularly where healing is retarded by local infection, necrotic tissue, fibrinous or purulent debris or eschar. Urea is useful for the treatment of hyperkeratotic conditions such as dry, rough skin, dermatitis, psoriasis, xerosis, ichthyosis, eczema, keratosis pilaris, keratosis palmaris, keratoderma, corns and calluses, as well as damaged, ingrown and devitalized nails.
The best cream to treat dry skin is urea cream 2, as it is useful for the treatment of hyperkeratotic conditions such as dry, rough skin.
- Key benefits: promotion of normal healing, debridement of hyperkeratotic surface lesions.
- Target conditions: dry skin, dermatitis, psoriasis, xerosis, ichthyosis, eczema.
From the Research
Best Creams for Dry Skin
To treat dry skin, several creams can be effective, including:
- Urea-based creams, which have been shown to improve skin barrier function and provide moisturizing and keratolytic effects 3, 4
- Ceramide-dominant moisturizing creams, which can restore the skin permeability barrier and improve the signs and symptoms of eczema 5
- Creams containing proteoglycan, hyaluronic acid, and hydrolyzed collagen, which can restore the skin barrier function and improve hydration and anti-inflammatory effects 6
- Moisturizers with humectants, such as urea, which can hydrate the stratum corneum and improve skin barrier function 7
Key Ingredients
Some key ingredients to look for in a cream for dry skin include:
- Urea, which has emollient, moisturizing, keratolytic, and antimicrobial properties 3, 4
- Ceramides, which can restore the skin permeability barrier and improve the signs and symptoms of eczema 5
- Hyaluronic acid, which can provide hydration and anti-inflammatory effects 6
- Hydrolyzed collagen, which can help restore the skin barrier function 6
- Proteoglycan, which can help restore the skin barrier function and improve hydration and anti-inflammatory effects 6
Considerations
When choosing a cream for dry skin, consider the following:
- The type and severity of dry skin, as different creams may be more effective for different conditions 3, 4, 6, 5, 7
- The presence of other skin conditions, such as eczema or psoriasis, which may require specific treatments 3, 4, 5
- The potential for side effects, such as irritation or allergic reactions, and choose a cream that is well-tolerated and gentle on the skin 3, 4, 5, 7