Last Updated on November 13, 2023
If you have dry skin, you know how hard it is to find a remedy that actually works. For those of us with severely dry skin, we can’t just pick any lotion off the shelf since most only offer us temporary relief.
The Truth About Dry Skin
Dry skin is a common problem for many of us. I participated in a study of 40 bloggers on this topic. The results of the survey are shown in the infographic below.
Did you notice that 75% of us said we have been embarrassed by our dry skin more than once? I’m in that group! I’ve been shy about shaking hands with someone because mine are dry and cracked. I’ve been at a child’s birthday party and had a child ask me why my legs look so funny (apparently his mother didn’t suffer from the same scaly dry skin on her legs). I’m at an age where I don’t let potentially embarrassing situations keep me from venturing out. However, it’s the pain and irritation of dry skin I can do without. THAT’S what motivates my search for a fantastic lotion to help.
What Are Ceramides?
Did you notice the mention of ceramides in the infographic? 63% of the bloggers knew what they were. I wasn’t one of them. These little guys live in our outermost layer of skin. They help our skin retain moisture. If you have dry, irritated skin, chances are your ceramide levels are low. So, to restore your protective barrier, you either need to consume ceramides (also referred to as phytoceramides) or you need to apply a product that creates a protective barrier for you.
Change the Way You Shower
Since we’re talking about your skin, it’s only logical we’d start with the place where it’s all exposed. A few simple changes to your shower routine can make a big difference in the moisture level of your skin.
Keep the Water Lukewarm
I love a hot, steamy shower but my skin does not. Hot water dries out your skin. So, if you’re at the point that your skin is flaking, itchy or painful due to dryness, turn the temperature down.
Change Your Soap
Choosing the right soap can make a huge difference in your skin’s moisture. In general, you want to choose a very mild soap. Look for ingredients that nourish your skin – aloe vera, vegetable oils, avocado, cocoa butter, vitamin E and jojoba oil are ingredients to look for. Stay away from anything that is heavily scented or medicated.
Moisturize While Damp
It’s true that if you apply moisturizer while your skin is still damp or wet, it will lock the moisture in. It’s a great idea, but it can be tough to implement. I’ve tried this in the past. The lotion would smear all over and would take forever to absorb. Baby oil worked better, until my husband almost died when he slipped in the shower thanks to the oil that had run down my leg onto the shower floor. So, I gave up on this solution until I found Curél Hydra Therapy Wet Skin Moisturizer.
Curél Hydra Therapy is a lotion but it’s specially formulated to be applied to wet skin and before drying off. As a result, it absorbs quickly. Two weeks of using it after every shower and I got rid of the alligator skin on my legs. Basically, Curél Hydra Therapy strengthens the barrier that’s been weakened due to my low ceramides. Frankly, I thought that line was a bunch of mumbo jumbo until I tried it. Now, the proof is in my skin!
For many of us, dry skin is more than an inconvenience. It can be painful, distracting, and a major issue to address. I hope these tips help you gain control over your dry skin so you can spend more time focusing on the things that matter the most to you.
What do you do to combat dry skin? Tell me in the comments for a chance to win a $100 Visa gift card!
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I love that you talked about the remedies for dry skin that are effective and really working. My sister has a dry skin and already used different kinds of products to soften and smoothen her skin. I will certainly be forwarding this article to her so she could check on your tips.
I try to moisturize paying special attention to dry spots.
I combat this dry skin issue with keeping my skin hydrated after every shower.
Tweeted-https://twitter.com/birdiebee52/status/848001910552637440
tweeted
https://twitter.com/rubylorikeet/status/847929326548824064
I mostly just use hand repair cream and sometimes some lotion on my feet.
i use moisturizer and argan oil to combat dry skin
tweeted
https://twitter.com/thomasmurphy40/status/847887381642588161
I use lotion and sunscreen daily.
https://twitter.com/slehan/status/847877209066950656
My shins and feet have the driest skin. I currently moisturize at night.
Thanks for the contest.
tweeted: https://twitter.com/tinawoo21/status/847692717458980864
I try to combat my dry skin by drinking plenty of water and limiting time in the sun.
i posted a tweet here:
https://twitter.com/purplepanda1966/status/847465161543753728
tweeted
https://twitter.com/eswright18/status/847287594761113600
I moisturize after every bath or shower.
Tweet – https://twitter.com/willitara/status/847104690412236801
I moisturize often and try to avoid exposure to the winter air.
Link to tweet:
https://twitter.com/MorrisPartyof6/status/846925307319910400
Thanks! 🙂
I combat dry skin by moisturizing after showering and drinking plenty of water.
https://twitter.com/mkjmc/status/846012913215291392
MOisturize with lotion a couple times a day
tweeted – https://twitter.com/LAMusing/status/845764715691192320
I don’t do enough! I try to lotion up after a bath.
tweet: https://twitter.com/Twenteries/status/844244469574594561
Moisturize every day and stay hydrated!
tweeted – https://twitter.com/dmarie824/status/843570416467787778
I use raw shea butter every day when I get out of the shower.
https://twitter.com/mommysweetiepie/status/843257898046291969
I moisturize at least 2 times a day and use a scrub at least once a week.
I tweeted: https://twitter.com/FireRunner2379/status/843159097331650560.
To combat the dry skin on my hands I moisturize them before bedtime. When they are exposed to the cold dry air of winter I really have to keep up with the care to prevent them from bleeding.
https://twitter.com/raggammuffin/status/842144077923680256
i put lotion on right after my shower
I put lotion on at night just before bed so it won’t get washed off during the day.
https://twitter.com/OneFrugalGirl/status/841468909773561856
I combat dry skin with a regimen of cleanser, toner, exfoliation, and moisturizer with sunscreen
https://twitter.com/patricia121417/status/840871144811053057
tweet-https://twitter.com/LuLu_Brown24/status/840862309035601921
I hydrate my skin regularly
link to tweet
https://twitter.com/avrilsgranny/status/840560147311255553
I use lotion, drink more water and use a humidifier
Tweet https://twitter.com/JalapenoMama/status/840471775712595969
To help with dry skin I avoid hot showers and baths.
Also lots of moisturizer/lotions!
thank you
https://twitter.com/susan1215/status/840008220211060736
I put on lotion when I get out of the shower each morning.
Tweet
https://twitter.com/clc408/status/839885817032081409
I moisturize right after my shower while my skin is still damp. It seems to help.
Tweet link: https://twitter.com/shala_darkstone/status/839819801874870272
To combat dry skin, I apply a bit of oil right after a shower, and lotion before bed.
https://twitter.com/benz1171/status/839587378322812928
I moisturize every time I wash my hands.
My skin gets so dry in the winter! I usually use Bath & Body Works lotions but the don’t usually cut it! I have try Curel! I had no idea it worked so well!!
tweet- https://twitter.com/fmd518/status/839544250270375936
I put lotion on
https://twitter.com/NICKIEISIS3/status/839495801462272002
I combat dry skin by using moisturizer everyday.
I struggle with this so much!! I’ve found that moisturizing immediately after showering and keeping lotion near the soap in every bathroom is a good reminder too.
My skin gets dry over the winter. I’ll definitely have to consider adding Curel into my skin care regimen.
Curél Hydra Therapy Wet Skin Moisturizer?!!! What! I thought I was Curel fan and never heard of this one. This sounds like an awesome product.
https://twitter.com/sweetums82/status/839118408482500608
I use body butters and body oils
I’ve had dry skins for years and have tried so many lotions & creams to combat it.. I find that Petroleum jelly works the best for me esp. on my feet and hands!!
https://twitter.com/disneyfan40/status/838948351114641410
I use a thicker lotion a few times a day because my skin gets severely dry in the winter.
https://twitter.com/RachelGriesmer/status/838896519814213632
To combat dry skin I wear protective clothing when I go out in the cold, drink a lot of water and apply moisturizer several times a day.
tweet- https://twitter.com/mitajdav/status/838856896119459845
https://twitter.com/mitajdav/status/838856896119459845
I moisturize twice a day and drink lots of water.
I drink lots of water and slather on some lotion every day but sometimes I forget. 🙁
What I need is a bed that somehow moisturizes your skin overnight. 🙂
Busy schedules, hectic life and all that.
thanks!
I moisturize whenever my face is feeling dry which is usually at least once or twice a day.
tweet- https://twitter.com/tcarolinep/status/838228606597779456
I drink a lot of water, use body oil and cream right after shower to help with my dry skin.
tcarolinep at gmail dot com
I moisturize when I get out of the shower and I drink lots of water.
https://twitter.com/myway070/status/838145523559235584
https://twitter.com/willgriesmer/status/838010468098850820
I apply lotion.
I tweeted
https://twitter.com/my4boysand1/status/837992224784855042
I try to combat dry skin by using a gentle soap and moisturize all day!
https://mobile.twitter.com/arress83/status/837852803972333569
In the Winter I add a little baby oil to my bath and moisturizer afterwards.
https://twitter.com/Maggiep48/status/837852033180913664
I moisturize as soon as I get out of my shower and before bed.
https://twitter.com/tatzgrrly/status/837845310424629248
I stay hydrated and moisturize twice a day.
tweet: https://twitter.com/BoutiqueOfLuck/status/837842163870359552
I combat dry skin by using lotion or moisturizer everyday.
tweet-
https://twitter.com/groogruxking40/status/837840512585453568
I moisturize every single day and even have moisturizer in my body wash.
groogruxking40 @ gmail dot com
Tweet-https://twitter.com/JewelWood/status/837830046471471104
I drink plenty of water, use a good moisturizer, only take a shower for 5 minutes, and I use coconut oil all the time.
jewelwood55(at)gmail(dot)com
https://twitter.com/ElenaIstomina/status/837811427993800704
I use coconut oil and Curel to combat dry skin
I’m a big fan of Curel products and a dry skin (and embarrassment) sufferer. Good to learn of Curel Hydra Therapy.
I put on lotion when I get out of the shower each morning.
tweet
https://twitter.com/Kellydpa/status/837752496349134853
I put on SPF lotion every day to protect and moisturize my dry skin.
tweet – https://twitter.com/yarbr012/status/837739944936357888
I combat dry skin by regularly applying lotion and washing my hands with soap that has moisturizer in it.
tweet–https://twitter.com/mami2jcn/status/837738833382891522
I moisturize everyday when I get out of the shower.