Selecting creams for dry skin can seem like a big job because there are so many different choices on the market  All of them say that they are the best creams for dry skin, but the only way you can find out if they work for you is by trying them out.  Reading reviews about products for dry skin can help you know where to start.

The Best Creams for Dry Skin

In general, the best creams for dry skin will moisturize without clogging pores.  Of course beyond that, it is simply a matter of what kind of cream you need. Here’s a quick rundown of each kind of treatment for dry skin:

• Face creams for dry skin
• Body lotions
• Organic moisturizers
• Standard moisturizers

Standard moisturizers generally include any of the bottled brands on the shelf like Eucerin, Aveeno, and Cetaphil.  Eucerin gets the best reviews as a standard moisturizer.

Day creams and night treatments usually fall into the category of face creams for dry skin.  They are often geared more toward resisting aging than anything else.  The best day cream is made by RevaleSkin, which offers both anti-aging ingredients and some light sun protection.  This moisturizer is SPF 15.

Organic moisturizers are those that use only natural ingredients like aloe or cucumber.  The best organic moisturizer is made by Burt’s Bees, which has a full line of products like body lotion, day cream, and even a moisturizer that is geared toward people with acne problems.

Creams for Dry Skin, Psoriasis, and Eczema

Psoriasis and eczema are both severe skin problems, so they should be treated with care when it comes to selecting a moisturizer.  Dermarest offers a medicated product that does wonders on skin with eczema.

Also Aveeno Eczema Therapy is formulated specifically for people with eczema problems, although it is not medicated.  Its gentle formula gives skin with eczema what it needs without being harsh.

Creams for psoriasis work along the same lines of eczema, although sometimes people with psoriasis can have even drier skin than those with eczema.  The best creams for psoriasis include Dermarest, which is medicated for extreme psoriasis, and Nutraderm, which is non-medicated but still very beneficial for those who suffer from this skin disorder.

Creams for Dry Skin and Other Skin Types

Of course the same moisturizers do not work for everyone, so often it is simply a matter of trial and error until you find one that works for you.  Allergies are quite common with moisturizers, so it is always best to try just a small amount on your hand before you decide to spread it all over your face.  Here are some more general guidelines to keep in mind if you are not looking for a specific brand name:

• Normal skin: a water-based cream
• Extremely dry skin: a petroleum-based moisturizer will lock in the moisture.
• Oily skin: a water-based moisturizer that is also noncomodogdenic.
• Sensitive skin: avoid moisturizers with fragrances or dyes

Dealing with dry skin on the eyelids can be very difficult.  You have to be very careful exactly how you put the cream on your eyelids so that it does not get in your eyes.  Also while there are plenty of moisturizers on the market, not all of them are safe to use on your eyes.

Conditions that Cause Dry Skin on the Eyelids

If you have dry skin on the eyelids, then usually the first thing that comes to mind is figuring out what’s causing it.  There are many skin problems that target just the eyelid, while others can target other parts of the body while still affecting the eyelids.

Here are some of the most common conditions that cause dry skin on the eyelids:

• Blepharitis, which is simply chronic inflammation that affects the eyelids
• Problems with the cornea
• Tear gland problems
• Eyelid dermatitis
• Psoriasis
• Eczema

Causes of Dry Skin on the Eyelids

In addition to all the medical conditions that can cause dry, itchy skin on the eyelids, there are also several products you may use every day that can cause the problem:

• Food allergies
• Allergies to facial cleansers or makeup
• Shampoo, if it gets in your eyes
• Some brands of hair dye
• Some types of eyelash curlers

The Best Treatments for Dry Skin on the Eyelids

Of course no matter what causes your dry skin on the eyelids, treating it is always important.  Some treatments are very specific to the cause of the dry skin, while others are more general and will work for several different causes.

Blepharitis is probably the most common cause for dry skin on the eyelids, but regular creams do not help the problem.  Doctors usually prescribe antibiotics in the form of eye drops or cream.  Steroidal creams or eye drops may also be used.  If the blepharitis is not especially bad, then the doctor may advise you to use artificial tears to moisten the eyes.

Most moisturizers are not safe for the eyes, although there are a few that work better than others when it comes to treating dry skin on the eyelids.  Amlactin is one brand that many people recommend for use on the eyelids.

If the problem is caused by dermatitis or eczema, then doctors often prescribe Elidel, a prescription medication that does very well controlling these issues.

Sometimes treatment of dry skin on the eyelids is as simple as cleansing the area, which can be a very tricky business.  The best way to clean the eyelid area is to use baby shampoo in the area.  Most baby shampoos are tearless formulas that are completely safe for the eyes.

There are also a few home remedies that help with dry skin on the eyelids.  Aloe vera is a great natural ingredient that helps almost any ingredient.  If you buy aloe vera leaves and place them over your eyelids, then you ensure that it doesn’t actually get in your eyes, which can be very painful.

Dry skin around the mouth can have several causes.  Fortunately, all are easily treated, but you have to be educated about the causes before you can adequately seek treatment.

Causes of Dry Skin Around Mouth

There are a few very common, simple causes of dry skin around the mouth:

• aging
• chapped lips
• allergic reactions

Dry skin around the mouth caused by aging and chapped lips can be remedied simply through the use of moisturizers and lip balms.  Sometimes dry skin around the mouth is the result of an allergic reaction to a substance like fluoride.  Try a non-fluoride toothpaste to see if your condition improves.

In more severe cases of dry skin around the mouth, you can develop dry, cracked skin the corners of your lips that may crack or bleed.  This is called angular chelitis, and it can lead to a fungal infection.  Angular chelitis is usually caused by: nutritional deficiencies, dentures that don’t fit properly, or diabetes.

Treatment involves the use of steroidal creams or anti-fungal creams.  Seborrheic dermatitis is a fungal infection due to excess oil production around the mouth, and is treated with medicated creams.

Psoriasis Causing Dry Skin Around Mouth

Psoriasis is a skin condition that produces red, scaly, itchy patches.  Psoriasis on the face often affects the area above the upper lip.  Using an over-the-counter cortisone cream may help, although steroids like cortisone should not be used on the face on a prolonged basis.

Prescription keratolytic drugs, which remove scales, can also be helpful.  If that doesn’t help your psoriasis around the mouth, talk to your dermatologist about ultraviolet light treatment.  Although multiple sessions are necessary, ultraviolet light therapy can be an effective treatment against psoriasis.

In some cases, psoriasis can cause dry skin around the eyes.  The eyelids can become red and scaly, with scales covering the eyelashes.  This can be painful and cause infection of the eye.  Clearly, this is a very sensitive area.  Do not try treatment at home.  See your doctor, who may recommend a protopic ointment.

Eczema Causing Dry Skin Around Mouth

Eczema is a skin rash characterized by dry, red, itchy patches on the skin.  It usually begins in childhood, and is commonly located on the face or around the mouth.  It is thought to be caused by a combination of a genetic disposition toward dry skin and allergies or asthma.

Eczema around the mouth can cause dry, peeling skin, itching, and cracking of the skin.  To minimize your eczema, try to determine what allergens might trigger your symptoms, and avoid them.  Also use a thick, rich over-the-counter moisturizer such as Aquaphor.

Hydrocortisone or antihistamine creams can also be helpful.  Be watchful, because skin irritated by eczema is prone to developing bacterial infections, particularly in children who tend to touch their faces frequently.

Dry skin on the feet is a very real problem in the cold winter months, although some people experience this issue all year round.  It’s important to recognize your symptoms and be able to match them to the right condition because you can seek a treatment that will actually work.

There are several problems that can cause dry skin on the feet.

Common Conditions that Cause Dry Skin on the Feet

• Winter itch – During the winter, the combination of extremely cold air, the fact that houses are closed up with no fresh air circulating, and heat from furnaces dries out the air and creates conditions that can make anyone’s feet dry. People who suffer from winter itch have skin that gets so dry that there are dry, cracked heels on the feet and the calves and shins will itch so much that the sufferer will scratch until their skin breaks and bleeds. Some people scratch during their sleep, completely unaware until the next morning that they have done the damage to their skin.
• Psoriasis on the feet – This condition is characterized by cracked heels and split skin between the toes. In many cases, you do not even realize the skin has split until you feel it while in the shower. It does not hurt when it first cracks. It itches at first, so realizing that it is split is usually a surprise.
• Dry skin on the toes is more obvious because you will notice when putting on socks that the skin on top of the toes is beginning to flake off. Even though it is readily noticeable, the damage has already begun by the time the skin is flaking. Many available lotions are not the answer to this problem because one of the main ingredients is alcohol, which only serves to dry the skin even more.

Treatments for Dry Skin on the Feet

There are lotions specifically made to treat dry skin issues, but it is important to read the label to make sure that the item is appropriate. Also remember to allow air to flow around your dry feet by removing socks when you get home in the evening.  This will allow your feet to air dry from the perspiration of the day, which is very helpful.

In the cases of itchy skin on the feet, a lotion that also has an itch-calming ingredient like Benadryl can be beneficial. Some foot powders also have itch relieving properties which will help, but again, it is important to use a foot powder and then let the feet breathe.  Do not put socks or slippers back on if they will make your feet perspire.

Serious Problems with Dry Skin on the Feet

Dry skin on the feet can be a debilitating issue. As the skin dries and cracks, it can become increasingly painful to wear shoes and to walk. Immediate treatment is the best course of action. Allowing this problem to go on unchecked or believing that it will heal itself will leave you immobile when the problem is so bad that you cannot walk barefoot or while wearing shoes.

Finding soap for dry skin can be rather difficult because you know many soaps will dry your skin even more and leave it feeling tight or itchy.  You need a rich, moisturizing soap for dry skin.  Let’s look at some of the best soaps for dry skin.

Soap for Dry Skin – Best Bar Soap

One of the best bar soaps for dry skin is Cetaphil’s Gentle Cleansing Bar.  It uses petrolatum to moisturize dry skin.

Another great choice is Aveeno Active Naturals Moisturizing Bar for Dry Skin.  Aveeno uses natural colloidal oatmeal to exfoliate gently and moisturize.  It is free of dyes and perfumes, so it’s great for skin that is both dry and sensitive.  Dove’s Energy Bar or Pro-Age bar are great for dry, itchy skin, as well.  Both are creamy formulas that include a gentle exfoliant.

Soap for Dry Skin with Psoriasis

Trying to moisturize dry skin with patches of psoriasis can be a real challenge.  Psoriasis is a skin disease that causes the growth of scaly patches of skin.  These patches tend to be red and itchy.  The most common location for psoriasis is the scalp, but it can also grow on elbows, hands and feet, among other areas.

There is no cure for psoriasis, but using the right soap can help control the symptoms.  Coal tar soap has long been known as a great soap for psoriasis.  Coal tar soap contains real coal tar extract.

The higher the concentration, the more effective it will be against psoriasis.  However, the higher the concentration, the worse it smells, too.  If you choose to try coal tar soap, be prepared that while effective, it smells terrible.

Dead Sea mud soap is also great for psoriasis.  It’s very moisturizing because it contains minerals derived from mud from the Dead Sea.  It is also an effective treatment for acne or eczema.

Soap for Dry Skin with Eczema

The best bar soap for dry skin with eczema is something mild and non-irritating.  Dove or Basis are good choices because they’re free of fragrances and dyes.  Other tips for dealing with dry skin with eczema include:

• Wash your hands only when necessary.  Excessive washing dries skin.
• Use warm, not hot, water.
• Dry your skin completely after washing hands or bathing.
• Pat skin dry; don’t rub.
• Use a rich moisturizer, such as petroleum jelly.

Soap for Dry Skin – Natural Soap

A natural soap is always the best choice for dry skin.  There are many natural varieties to choose from. Goat’s milk soap is very nourishing and moisturizing, and beeswax soap is also very hydrating.  Traditional soap contain chemicals that are just too drying for many people’s skin.

Surprisingly, olive oil makes a great natural cleanser for dry skin.  Olive oil is so rich and hydrating on your skin, you probably won’t even need a moisturizer.  You can try using pure extra virgin olive oil from your kitchen, or try DHC Deep Cleansing Oil, which is olive oil based.

DHC also offers Olive Virgin Oil moisturizer.  See www.dhccare.com for product information.

Finding a facial moisturizer for dry skin is a delicate business.  You need to find one that will not only solve your dry skin problem, but do it in a way that does not clog pores or cause your skin to become oily.

How to Choose the Best Facial Moisturizer for Dry Skin

The same facial moisturizer will not work for everyone, so there are several considerations that should be taken into account before purchasing one.  First consider the severity of your dry skin.  A facial moisturizer for extremely dry skin will pack a much bigger punch than one for normal to moderately dry skin.

Another thing to keep in mind is whether you have any underlying conditions.  A facial moisturizer for acne should include some acne fighting ingredients like benzoyl peroxide.  This allows you to fight acne while still moisturizing your skin safely.

The Best Brands of Facial Moisturizer for Dry Skin

Of course not all facial moisturizers are created equal, and some brands have found a lot more success than others.  Here’s a look at some of the best facial moisturizers on the market:

• Eucerin -  This brand name is all about repairing the skin in a variety of ways.  The brand offers several options for facial care, including both a cream and a lotion.  The cream provides more protection and a higher level of moisturizing than the lotion.  It’s the perfect facial moisturizer for very dry skin.  There is even a night cream that helps sooth redness overnight so you can sleep more easily.
• Olay Regenerist – This lotion is definitely perfect for anyone who is worried about the effects of aging on their skin.  Olay also makes a great facial cleanser for dry skin that goes along with it.
• Clinique Dramatically Different – This formula is completely oil-free, which means it will not clog your pores.  People who have used it say that they like how silky their skin feels afterward.
• Neutrogena Healthy Skin – This product is nice because it includes SPF 15 sunscreen in it, which means that you are protecting your face from harmful UV rays and moisturizing it at the same time.  Reserve this product for use on days when you will be spending time outside.
• Aveeno Positively Radiant – If you feel like you need a little more protection than what the Neutrogena product provides, this Aveeno lotion is very similar, although it has 30 SPF instead of 15.  It is also a great natural facial moisturizer for dry skin.

Using Facial Moisturizer for Dry Skin

One of the most important things to remember when using moisturizer is that you should not put it directly on dry skin.  For best results, take a shower or wash the area first so that there is moisture on the skin.  Moisturizers are meant to lock in the moisture, so if there is nothing to lock in, then it will not work effectively in the long run.

Figuring out how to get rid of dry skin on the face can be difficult if you do not know what is causing it.  Also the part of the face where the dry skin is can make a difference in the type of treatment that is best.  Here are some of the most common causes of dry skin on the face.

How to Get Rid of Dry Skin on the Face – Causes

The very first thing you should try to do is find out what is causing the dry skin on your face.

Here are some other common causes of dry skin on the face:

• Dehydration
• Winter itch
• Aging
• Psoriasis
• Medications
• Healthcare products
• Using the wrong soap

To find out what is causing the dry skin, it may be helpful to look at which parts of your face are affected.  For example, if you are trying to figure out how to get rid of dry skin on the chin or around your mouth, then you might look at your whitening toothpaste as a possible cause.

Treatments for How to Get Rid of Dry Skin on the Face

When you begin to have an idea of what is causing the dry skin, then you can look at possible treatments.  Of course determining how to get rid of dry skin on the cheeks is may be slightly different than dealing with your forehead or eyes because some products are not safe around your eyes.

Usually finding a good moisturizer is all you need, but in the case of psoriasis or other health problems, the only course of treatment is to care for the underlying problem.

If it’s just winter itch, then a proper moisturizer will help quite a bit.  Just remember to put the moisturizer on right after you get out of a shower or bath.  This will help lock in the natural moisture and give you the best results.

Soap is also a big culprit when it comes to robbing your face of moisture, so switching to a brand like Dove that includes moisturizers in it can be very helpful.

How to Get Rid of Dry Skin on the Face – Prevention Tips

Once you have your dry skin under control, prevention is the simplest method for keeping it away permanently.  Check out these tips:

• Avoid extremely long, hot showers or baths.  Very hot water is extremely drying for your skin, so try turning the temperature down just a bit.
• Use a humidifier in your home to put moisture back into the air, especially during the winter.
• Drink plenty of water every day to keep your skin moisturized from the inside out.
• Add a fish oil supplement to your vitamin regime to give your skin additional support when it comes to moisture.

The age-old wisdom of home remedies for dry skin are based on the principals of frugality and common sense.  Don’t be fooled by the seductive packaging and promotion of store-bought moisturizers.  Many of them contain ingredients that actually dry your skin, such as alcohol based products or those laden with preservatives. You can save hundreds of dollars on moisturizing products by relying on these simple suggestions for hydrating dry skin.

• Soak in the tub for 15 minutes in lukewarm water. (not hot)
• Bathe less, if possible. It helps your skin re-hydrate.
• After bathing, pat dry lightly.  Apply home remedies  for dry skin while your skin is still damp.

Choosing a body moisturizer is easy and inexpensive if you’re dedicated to home remedies for dry skin.  You may not smell like perfume, but these products work equally, and probably better, than the most expensive bottle of commercial moisturizer in terms of results.  We’ve polled our readers and they’ve shared their home remedy secrets!  They also shared that although these remedies are a bit messier than store-bought moisturizers, it is that particular messy characteristic that makes them work so well on dry skin.  You might want to schedule a home spa session when you’re treating your skin with these home remedies.  And the winners are….

• Petroleum Jelly
• Any vegetable oil; Crisco, sunflower oil, olive oil, peanut oil
• Mineral Oil

Home Remedies For Dry Face

Home remedies for dry face should be a bit more refined than the ingredients in the list above, all of which would work just fine, but might be a bit too greasy for the face.  The following are naturally fragrant home remedies especially for the face.  Might want to make extra for a snack!

• Mash a banana and apply it to your face and neck.  Leave onas long as convenient and then rinse with cool water.
• Have an aloe plant?  Harvest a leaf and extract the juice for a spa inspired facial.
• Mash avocado with a half teaspoon of olive oil for a double hydrating mask.  Leave on for as long as convenient; rinse with cool water.

Home Remedies For Dry Skin Patches

Patches may present a more tenacious condition.  Home remedies for dry skin patches can still be utilized with great success.  If the patches don’t itch, treat them as you would from the list of home remedy moisturizers above.  However, if itching accompanies the patches, it’s important to use a remedy that will address the itching first. Itching can lead to skin eruptions and breakdown which opens the body to further chance of infection.

The best home remedies for dry skin patches without open sores include:

• Vicks VapoRub
• Oatmeal bath in lukewarm water
• Mix ¼ C. cider vinegar with ¾ C. cold water.  Add ice. Dab it on the affected area with a cotton ball.

Finding the cause of the itchy dry skin patches is key to a solution.  Consider any changes in your household or lifestyle when seeking the source, i.e. laundry soaps, bath soaps, foods, medications.

Severe dry skin can be the result of  the environment, medical problems, or chemical exposure.  However, for the vast majority of us, severe dry skin is a seasonal problem, occurring during the winter months when our body is brutalized with wet, cold, freezing ice and snow.  This extreme is countered by heating systems that keep us warm from the elements, but at the same time, zap all humidity from the air in our homes.  We take hot showers and baths to feel warm from the winter’s frigid bite.  We use soaps that contain chemicals that suck the oils right out of our skin and dry our hair with hot air blowers.   Some of us are aging, thus losing natural oils that once kept our skin well hydrated.  These examples are all culprits of why we itch, crack, and feel pain from severe dry skin.

Simply stated, the definition of severe dry skin is the loss of natural oils combined with the escape of water in our skin.  Without these elements to hydrate, our skin dries and cracks, which then exposes the underlying living cells to irritants and germs in the environment.   Severe dry skin that cracks and is exposed opens it host to all kinds of bacteria that our skin normally protects us from.

Severe Dry Skin Care

An offensive approach to severe dry skin care is key to keeping it under control.   Preventative habits can be established to avoid the worst case scenario.   An investment in a humidifier will go a long way in replacing the humidity in your home that is being robbed by heating systems.  Humidity in your home means water retention in the skin.  Wear wool clothing if you can; the natural lanolin in the wool is rejuvenating to your skin.  Take showers instead of baths, and keep the water temperature as cool as you can stand it.  Hot water robs the skin of natural oils.  Pat dry (don’t rub abrasively) and apply moisturizer while your skin is still damp for better absorption.  Avoid or limit caffeine; it dehydrates you from the inside out.  Take a dose of vitamin E daily and eat fish high in omega 3 fatty acids.

Severe Dry Skin Remedies

There’s good news on the subject of severe dry skin remedies.  It can be treated with common products that most people will have in their cupboards or medicine cabinet.  Years ago, and before the days of commercial moisturizers, these products were utilized as severe dry skin remedies:

• Petroleum Jelly
• Bag Balm
• Crisco, Lard, Olive Oil.
• Mineral Oil

The products above work as well as commercial products in hydrating dry skin. They also bond the skin to keep the hydration in, an additional advantage to most commercial moisturizers.  However, they’re obviously a bit greasy and may not be acceptable to some people.  These are best used at home, but not so practical for use out of the house.

For a less greasy and better smelling solution, commercial moisturizers offer more socially acceptable severe dry skin remedies.  Rated by reviewers as their favorite commercial severe dry skin remedies are:

• Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream
• Olay Regenerist UV Defense Regenerating Lotion SPF 15
• Aveeno Positively Radiant Daily Moisturizer SPF 30
• Desert Essence  100% Jojoba Oil

Get a jump start on severe dry skin this winter by making these products and rituals part of your daily routine.  You’ll find that managing severe dry skin is easier with a proactive approach.

Cosmetics alone don’t get rid of dry skin on face, nor does it cover it up.  In fact, without proper cleansing and moisturizing, cosmetics can actually aggravate the dry spots on your face.  Keeping skin looking healthy and glowing is a learned habit that’s essential to establish before using cosmetics.

If you’ve been using soap to clean your face, you may want to reconsider.  Commercial Soap contains lye which is far too strong and dehydrating for dry skin, especially on your face.  Eliminating the use of commercial soaps will greatly help you get rid of dry skin on face. There are numerous facial cleansers on the market that are kinder to your face, which clean and hydrate simultaneously.  Some of our favorite commercial cleansers include:

• L’Oreal Paris Nutri-Pure Foaming Cleanser for Dry Skin
• Shikai Borage Facial Cleanser Dry Skin Therapy
• Pond’s Cold Cream

Cleanse your face at night so your skin can rest as you sleep.  Remember to be gentle in your cleansing approach, rubbing the skin with your fingertips in small circular patterns.  Facecloths are too abrasive for cleaning the sensitive skin on our face, and we tend to apply too much pressure with a facecloth in hand.  Fingertips only!  Use lukewarm water to wet your skin and rinse it.  Pat your face dry with a soft towel. (do not rub back and forth)  Allow your face to remain damp; its not necessary for it to be bone dry.

Lotion For Dry Skin On Face

Once you’ve completed cleansing, you’ll need to apply lotion for dry skin on face to quench it overnight.  Apply it gently with your fingertips to absorb it into your entire face.  Using the circular tight circle motions again, make sure all areas of your face have been moisturized.  A lotion for dry skin on face should be used before applying cosmetics and also, after cleansing. We’ve selected 5 moisturizing lotions that have been reviewed as preferred by women who use them:

• Olay Regenerist UV Defense Regenerating Lotion SPF 16
• Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream
• CeraVe Moisturizing Cream
• Aveeno Positively Radiant Daily Moisturizer SPF 30
• Desert Essence 100% Pure Jojoba Oil

In addition to daily lotion for dry skin on face, we suggest an intensive weekly moisturizing treatment.  Relax!  These treatments can be achieved with items you probably have onhand.  Mash up 1/2 of an avocado; add 2 tablespoons of honey blend.  Apply to face and leave it on up to 30 minutues.  Rinse with lukewarm water and blot dry with a soft towel.  The honey and avocado