There are no official guidelines to assist in answering this question. I will search for relevant research papers instead.
From the Research
Topical Moisturizers for Xerosis of the Legs
- There are several topical moisturizers that can be used to treat xerosis (dry skin) of the legs, including:
- Urea: a common ingredient in moisturizers, which has been shown to be effective in improving skin hydration and reducing symptoms of xerosis 1, 2
- Ammonium lactate: another ingredient that has been studied for its effectiveness in treating xerosis, although the evidence is not as strong as for urea 1
- Coconut oil: a natural moisturizer that has been shown to be as effective and safe as mineral oil in treating mild to moderate xerosis 3
- Diethylene glycol/dilinoleic acid copolymer: an emollient that has been shown to be effective in improving skin dryness and pruritus in patients with senile xerosis 4
- The choice of moisturizer may depend on the individual's symptoms and needs, such as:
- It is also important to consider the site affected and patient age when choosing a moisturizer 2
Key Findings
- A systematic review of 22 experimental studies found that urea was the most researched active ingredient for treating xerosis, but the poor quality of the literature precluded recommendations for any specific ingredient 1
- A randomized double-blind controlled trial found that coconut oil was as effective and safe as mineral oil in treating mild to moderate xerosis 3
- A position paper on the diagnosis and treatment of xerosis cutis recommended a symptom-based approach to treatment, with urea and other natural moisturizing components being preferred ingredients 2
- A single-blind study found that a topical emollient containing diethylene glycol/dilinoleic acid copolymer was effective in improving skin dryness and pruritus in patients with senile xerosis 4
- A prospective study found that a once-daily moisturizer was effective in reducing symptoms of xerosis in long-term care patients 5