Taking proper care of your skin during the winter months is important. This is especially true if your skin tends to be unbearably dry. Dry skin occurs when moisture is not retained in the skin. Harsh soaps, humidity levels dropping, and dry skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis are all culprits of your parched skin.

Whether you are someone who suffers from dry skin year-round or you simply lack hydration during the colder months, body lotions deliver intense hydration while boosting the skin’s abilities to retain moisture.

RELATED: The Best Moisturizers for Combination Skin

How to choose the best lotion for dry skin

Look for moisturizing ingredients: When choosing a body lotion that best works for you, look for skin-replenishing ingredients such as ceramides, glycerin, and fatty acids. Glycerin, for example, works to moisturize the skin by attracting water from the air and prevents moisture loss by forming a protective layer. 

Avoid parabens: Because your skin is porous and absorbs whatever you put on it, it’s important to be cautious of which ingredients are found in your skincare products. You should avoid parabens because of the negative impact these preservatives have on our health. When accumulated in the body, parabens can cause a decrease in the production of collagen, leading to wrinkles and a decreases in skin elasticity.

Apply body lotion immediately after showering: Applying lotion to your body following a nice warm shower is a great way to ensure you’re locking in moisture. Because your skin is saturated with water when you emerge from the shower, the hydrating ingredients in lotions trap some of the water from evaporating. We recommends slightly blotting the skin dry with a towel and then immediately apply lotion to keep the skin moist. Scroll through to see our body lotion picks you should consider when it comes to keeping your complexion hydrated.

1. CeraVe Daily Moisturizing Lotion

Keeping your skin looking quenched doesn’t have to cost you a fortune! Formulated with hyaluronic acid–a popular skincare ingredient known for retaining 1,000 times its weight in water– this drugstore find is great for hydrating drier skin types. It also contains ceramides, which is recommended for preventing moisture loss.

Price: $10.43 at Amazon

2. Eucerin Intensive Repair Very Dry Skin Lotion

If you’re struggling with flaky, dry skin, we recommends opting for lotions with alpha hydroxy acid (AHAs). This long-lasting moisturizer contains AHAs, which are a group of chemical exfoliants that gently remove dry skin cells, revealing a smoother complexion. Keep in mind that AHAs are photosensitizing, which means they make your skin more sensitive to the sun. When using products that contain AHAs, it’s important to also incorporate a broad-spectrum sunscreen into your skincare routine.

Price: $9.97 at Amazon 

3. Curél Hydra Therapy Wet Skin Moisturizer for Dry & Extra-Dry Skin

Designed to be applied on wet skin, this deep penetrating lotion instantly replenishes moisture-depleted skin. Thanks to the ceramides that help rebuild the moisture barrier, this lotion earned the National Eczema Association’s seal of acceptance. The formula also contains Provitamin B5, which has moisture retaining and softening properties.

Price: $8.58 at Amazon

4. Cetaphil Pro Eczema Soothing Moisturizer

Specifically formulated for eczema-prone skin, this lotion is clinically proven to provide immediate hydration and instant relief for itchy, dry patches. The formula is fragrance-, paraban-, and steroid free; and suitable for use on babies 3 months and older. This Cetaphil lotion also earned the National Eczema Association’s seal of acceptance.

Price: $13.29 at Amazon

5. Lubriderm Advanced Therapy Lotion For Extra Dry Skin

Enriched with Vitamins E, B5, and skin essential lipids, this body moisturizer doesn’t just lift away dry skin, it also hydrates and makes skin more resilient. Vitamin E is an antioxidant that effectively fights off free radicals and provides anti-aging effects.

Price: $13.94 at Amazon

6. Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Lotion

 

Dermatologists love it, and so do thousands of skin-loving people. With over 1,400 reviews on Amazon and a 4.5-star rating, this lotion will leave your skin feeling supple and smooth. Aveeno relies on its unique oatmeal formula, which helps reduce itching and inflammation, while providing instant hydration. Since it’s fragrance-free and non-comedogenic, the lotion is gentle enough for daily use.

Price: $7.97 at Amazon

7. Eau Thermale Avène Trixéra Plus Selectiose Emollient Balm

Ceramides, essential fatty acids, and plant sterol are the star ingredients in this deeply hydrating lotion. The Lipidic-trio helps lock in moisture by restoring the skin’s natural barrier, while the Avène Thermal Spring Water sooths and softens the complexion.

Price: $29 at Amazon 

Some of the links above are affiliate links. That means if you buy something we link to on our site, Latina Watch may earn commission.