Best Moisturizers for Dry, Flaky Skin

Is your skin feeling tight and itchy lately? Have you noticed rough patches and flaky areas no matter how much lotion you apply? Dry, irritated skin can make you pretty darn miserable. 

Therefore, we’ll talk about what causes dry skin woes and review 5 moisturizers that’ll have you looking dewy and refreshed again.

What Makes Skin Become Dry and Flaky?

Dry skin happens when our skin lacks enough moisture and oil content in the outer layer. Without sufficient hydration, skin loses its flexibility. It starts to feel tight and look flaky, scaly and just plain irritated. No fun!

Some common culprits that deplete hydration include:

• Hot showers or baths - the heat strips away our skin’s natural oils
• Harsh soaps - they disrupt skin’s protective barrier and pH levels
• Cold, dry air - it pulls moisture away from the skin’s surface
• Medical conditions like eczema or psoriasis
• Certain medications
• Our natural skin type - some of us just have drier skin

As we age, skin also becomes thinner and more prone to dryness. But not to worry! The right moisturizer can help replenish much-needed hydration and make skin feel soft and comfortable again.

1. Healpsorin Cream (Best Overall)

If your dry, flaky skin also feels itchy and irritated, Healpsorin Cream can provide some sweet relief! This nourishing cream was specially formulated for eczema, dermatitis, psoriasis and extra dry sensitive skin types.

It contains super skin-soothers like:

• Sea Buckthorn Oil to reduce redness and irritation
• Sunflower Seed Oil to provide hydration and protection
• Sweet Almond Oil to deeply moisturize and repair your skin’s barrier
• Vitamin B12 to support healthy cell turnover and aid healing

This vegan and cruelty-free cream absorbs quickly, leaving skin feeling soft, smooth and oh-so-hydrated. It helps prevent future flare-ups for long-term relief. At around $15 a tube, it’s a worthy investment for calm, comforted skin!

2. Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentré 

Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentré is a cult-favorite French moisturizer that leaves skin looking nourished and radiant. This multitasking cream contains soy protein, shea butter and hyaluronic acid to replenish dry, dull looking skin.

It hydrates flaky areas, smooths rough spots, and softens skin for a super silky feel. You can wear it alone as a moisturizer or use it as a primer before makeup for a lit-from-within glow.

Treat your skin to a little luxurious French goodness every day! At around $17 a tube, it’s a splurge that your skin will be endlessly grateful for.

3. BYOMA Moisturizing Gel Cream 

When your skin is parched but all of you feels icky from the heavier crèmes, turn to BYOMA Moisturizing Gel Cream. A refreshing gel-crème feels ethereal when compressed into your skin and quickly absorbs without leaving behind an oily film.

It includes hydrating hyaluronic acid, green tea, which is packed with antioxidants, and nourishing oils. 

The watery gel absorbs instantly, cooling and quenching dry skin without blocking pores and causing a breakout. It’s only $15 a bottle!

4. Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream 

When your skin is severely parched, only an ultra-rich cream will do. Enter: Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream. This luxuriously moisturizing formula helps reinforce the skin’s barrier and retain moisture for a full 24 hours.

It contains Antarcticine to guard against dryness, squalane for moisture retention, avocado oil for softness and imperata cylindrica root to soothe on application.

This supremely hydrating cream leaves skin feeling supremely soft, smooth and comfortable - never sticky or greasy. It provides serious relief for serious dry skin. While an investment, your skin is worth it!

5. CeraVe Moisturizing Cream 

For an affordable, dermatologist-recommended option, there’s CeraVe Moisturizing Cream. This no-frills moisturizer hydrates thoroughly without clogging pores or causing breakouts.

It contains three essential ceramides to strengthen the skin’s barrier, hyaluronic acid for moisture retention, and niacinamide to calm irritation.

CeraVe makes it easy to layer serums and treatments under your moisturizer too. For straightforward hydration on a budget, CeraVe delivers.

Final Thoughts

If your skin’s dryness has you down, give one of these moisturizers a try and prepare to be wowed! Hydrate, soothe and nourish your skin back to a happy, healthy state. Don’t put up with the discomfort of dryness and irritation any longer.

And be sure to limit hot showers, gently exfoliate, and apply moisturizer within a few minutes of drying your skin.