Most people eventually experience dry, itchy skin, particularly when dealing with extreme heat or chronic skin conditions. The good news is that keeping up a regular shower schedule and using the right body wash will help lessen some of the signs of dry skin. With the huge range of products, component combinations, and price ranges available, selecting the body wash that will work best for your dry skin may be overwhelming. We are here to answer.
Are you ready to modify your hygiene practices? Because let’s face it, there are times when you’d prefer to put on a face mask in your pajamas, we consulted experts and combed through a wide range of products to find the formulas that will get even the most reluctant shower phone to lather. Put on your birthday suit and start dousing yourself in your chosen cleaner from head to toe.
Body washes for dry skin: What to keep in mind
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Emollients
Look for a body wash that is high in emollient compounds, which strengthen the skin’s natural barrier, if you have dry skin. Plant butter, oils, lipids, and fatty acid-rich body washes are excellent examples of products that are high in emollients.
Avoid Harsh Detergents
If you have especially dry skin, stay away from using any abrasive detergents or soaps that can strip the skin of its natural oils. Dryness can be made worse by over-scrubbing or using harsh soaps, which can damage the outer skin layer. Look for mild, non-soap cleansers that have moisturizing properties in addition to their cleansing ones.
Occlusives
Search for occlusive compounds, that aid in sealing moisture into the skin, in addition to moisturizing emollients. Occlusives include petroleum jelly, silicones, beeswax, and other plant-based substances such as shea butter, castor oil, and squalane.
Ingredients to Avoid
1. BHAs, urea, and AHAs
We want to avoid using any of these three chemical exfoliants, which can leave your skin even drier. However, instead of using them every day, you should only use them sometimes, such as once or twice a week, to remove the layers of dead skin cells and expose fresher, more hydrated skin. If you wish to use a body wash that contains these ingredients, make sure that the chemical exfoliants are balanced out by hydrating ingredients (like glycerin or hyaluronic acid).
2. Retinol or retinoids
Even though retinol and retinoids are popular in the skin care industry, they can cause flaking, redness, itching, and irritation. These are effective and clinically proven to reduce acne and premature aging indicators, but they must be used in conjunction with a rich cream after each application to prevent dryness.
3. Benzoyl peroxide, alcohol, and antibacterial soaps
Antibacterial soaps, alcohol, and benzoyl peroxide can indeed reduce skin bacteria (excellent for acne), but they can also deplete your skin of essential oils, causing
4. Fragrance and deodorant soaps
You already know the drill if you have sensitive skin or eczema: no fragrances are permitted. In addition, the American Academy of Dermatology advises against using deodorant soaps that are intended to cover up bodily odors if you have dry skin or atopic dermatitis; instead, choose a body wash that is not just “unscented,” but also “fragrance-free.”
5 Best body washes for dry skin
1. Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day Body Wash
Use Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day body wash to meet all of your cleaning requirements. This body wash is thoughtfully crafted with aloe vera gel, flaxseed oil, and essential oils in mind, as well as the needs of the body. The skin feels soft, smooth, and revitalized after using this potent body wash. It is available in a range of scents that are calming for the skin and give off a crisp, clean feeling. The product is safe for use on skin affected by psoriasis and eczema. For dry, itchy skin, it serves as an intensely hydrating body wash.
Pros
- Smells good
- Dermatologically tested
- Suits dry to sensitive skin
- Provides a lot of moisture
Cons
- Does not lather well
2. Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Body Wash
You need Aveeno’s exclusive formula to combat dry, flaky skin and transform it into smooth, radiant skin. This body wash locks in moisture and provides your skin with the nourishment it needs because it contains nutritious oats and rich emollients. This body wash replaces skin’s natural hydration while being gentle on sensitive skin. It performs the function of an antibacterial moisturizing body wash by removing oil, grime, and bacteria from the skin. This daily moisturizing body wash is made with natural ingredients and works to protect dry skin by acting as a skin protectant.
Pros
- Soap-free
- Dye-free
- pH balanced
- Easily absorbed
Cons
- Slightly over-moisturizing
3. Dove Deep Moisture Skin Natural Nourishers
Dove Deep Moisture Body Wash is one of the best body washes for the skin because it is very hydrating. It has components that are easily absorbed by the skin and are kind to the skin. In addition to being an effective cleanser, Dove Deep Moisture body wash also works well as a skin rejuvenator so you may enjoy soothing, nourishing showers. The creamy, thick, and rich formula of this body wash leaves your skin feeling supple and healthy. The mild formulation keeps the skin’s hydration levels up and works on both the face and the body.
Pros
- Affordable.
- Easily available.
- Moisturizes skin very well.
- Effective cleansing.
- Improves skin quality with regular use.
- Rich lather
Cons
- Poor pump design
4. Eucerin Skin Calming Body Wash
Skin Calming Body Wash by Eucerin cleanses and soothes dry, irritated skin. In order to avoid irritating skin, the soap-free composition gently cleanses without drying out too much. This gentle body wash helps skin keep its necessary moisture and is made with nutritious omega oils and other natural lipids that leave skin feeling peaceful and relaxed. Body wash with skin-calming properties lathers up gently and rinses off completely without leaving any trace.
Pros
- No dye
- calming formula
- Fragrance-free
- Good for sensitive skin
Cons
- Does not lather much
5. Olay Ultra Moisture Body Wash
It is necessary to use a nourishing body wash if you love taking extended showers. An excellent moisturizing body wash keeps moisture in the skin and doesn’t strip it of its natural oils. This body cleanser from Olay, for example, has avocado oil for an added boost of nutrition. You might also see a significant improvement in just two weeks. With regular application, the skin loses its dryness and improves in texture. This body wash provides the best treatment for the body because it is rich in vitamin B3.
Pros
- Cruelty-free
- Deeply hydrating
- Good fragrance
- Long-lasting moisturization
Cons
- Does not lather much
The best body washes for dry skin: Final thoughts
Regular practice that includes both washing and moisturizing is necessary to take good care of your skin. Using items to treat dry skin can make circumstances worse and make you more frustrated. Finding the best body washes for your dry skin may need some trial and error, but understanding what to look for when you purchase will help you weed out items that can do more harm than good.
If you’ve used a number of creams and your skin is still dry, consult a dermatologist about the best course of action.
