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The 11 Best Body Washes for Dry Skin to Buy in 2024

The 11 Best Body Washes for Dry Skin to Buy in 2024

If you’re suffering from dry skin, you may find that showering too much or too often can make your skin problems worse. Hydrating your skin starts in the shower, and choosing the best body wash for your specific moisturizing needs will be important since you’ll need to keep your shower time short. A soothing, hydrating body wash made especially for people with dry skin will be your best friend in the long run.

Important Factors to Consider in Body Wash for Dry Skin

When buying a body wash to combat your issue with dry skin, there are some important factors you should look out for when choosing the product for you. If you’re comfortable with what you’re looking for already, then you can jump straight to the products we’ve chosen and find something. For a primer, read on.

Pay Attention to the Ingredients Label

Any dermatologist will recommend that you choose a body wash with soothing ingredients like natural oils, hyaluronic acids and aloes that help to hydrate and rejuvenate dry skin. So be sure to pay attention to the ingredients on the label. If you see ingredients like those mentioned above, you’re on the right track.

Consider Going Fragrance-Free

The first thing you may check before picking out a body wash is how it smells. If you’re washing your body with it, the chances are that’s how you’ll smell for the rest of the day, right?

However, if you have particularly sensitive or dry skin, you may find that added fragrances will make your skin problems worse. Instead, look for a body wash that is hypoallergenic in nature and free of harmful ingredients like sulfates, dyes and parabens that will exacerbate dry skin.

Look at the Labels

Look out for the word “sensitive” and any related words on the body washes you’re thinking about buying. It’s likely that it will have less drying qualities on your skin than other products without these types of labels.

If a body wash is marketing to people with skin sensitivities, they will most likely contain skin-soothing ingredients like ceramides, hyaluronic acid and plant butters. They may also have a more creamy or milky lather as opposed to a sudsy one when wet.

Body Washes like Curél Hydra Therapy Itch Defense Body Wash and Puracy Natural Body Wash are made with particularly sensitive skin in mind.

Ingredients that Dry Skin Out

Ingredients like ethanol, isopropyl alcohol, and methanol can make body washes feel lighter and can help other ingredients properly soak into your skin. However, they can also cause dryness, itchiness and irritation.

Retinoids are often credited with relieving issues related to skin redness, wrinkles and fine lines. However, retinoids may also cause dry skin, redness, peeling and inflammation in the first few weeks you use it.

Body washes that contain lye will mess with your skin’s pH balance. If it gets too low (below pH 5), it will lead to extra skin dryness. Sulfates like sodium lauryl and sodium laureth help body washes to foam and remove oils from your skin. If you have dry skin though, this ends up stripping away too much of your skin’s natural oils.

Ingredients that Soothe and Hydrate Skin

Aloe is an antioxidant and antimicrobial that soothes and hydrates skin. Ceramides help to lock in moisture in the skin by creating a barrier that prevents permeability, and they also have anti-aging effects.

Glycerine traps moisture and also helps to bring moisture up to the top layer of your skin. Hyaluronic acid relieves dry skin and reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Lavender is a great ingredient for reducing inflammation, and it has antiseptic properties.

Oils like borage seed, argan, and evening primrose are all excellent non-fragrant plant oil options that help to rejuvenate and hydrate dry skin. If you see omega oils and natural lipids on the label, you can be sure that they will soothe your skin and help ease the feeling of dry, itchy skin through excellent hydration. Shea, cocoa and jojoba are super luxurious butters that also help to hydrate and nourish dry skin.

We go into extensive detail on the ingredients to be looking for and what they do in our full guide below, but with that brief overview in mind, here are some great body washes that will help minimize your issues with dry skin and help you feel fresh.

Top 11 Best Body Wash for Dry Skin 2024

1. Best Overall Body Wash: Puracy Natural Body Wash

Puracy Natural Body Wash

Why we like it: Puracy Body Wash is an all-natural, plant-based product that is vegan-friendly, eco-conscious and safe to use on animals and children. Not only that but it also supports local artists and makes a donation to the less fortunate when you purchase their body wash.

Editor’s Rating:

Soothing Qualities

Puracy is a coconut-based body wash made for men and women. It creates a rich, lathery foam that rinses away completely without harming the corneum layer of your skin. This means that your skin will remain free of irritation, dryness and redness.

Puracy body wash is gentle enough for people with eczema or dermatitis to use safely,  and it works well on a wide range of skin types. It is also safe and gentle enough to use on your entire body as a shower gel or in a bubble bath.

Some have found that their skin felt so hydrated after using this body wash that they didn’t need to moisturize with lotion afterward. However, if you’re looking for a body wash that will leave a long-lasting, pleasant aroma on your skin after showering, this particular body wash isn’t the one. Instead, think about going for this one instead.

Recommendations for Use

Be sure to rinse your skin thoroughly with fresh water before applying this body wash. Less is more with Puracy: you only need to apply a small amount on your skin (using a loofah or washcloth unless your skin is extremely dry). Massage the liquid into a rich lather on your skin. Then rinse it off thoroughly with fresh water.

Ingredients

You can rest assured that there is no triclosan, formaldehyde, parabens, phosphates, SLS, SLES, MEA, DEA, TEA, petroleum-based ingredients, animal by-products, chlorine, dyes or caustics in the Puracy Body Wash formula. This ensures that you are using a product that is non-toxic, hypoallergenic, all-natural and vegan.

The Himalayan sea salt in it naturally exfoliates and hydrates your skin while the citrus aromas help you feel more energized. You can even use Puracy Body Wash on your pets and young kids; it’s that safe!

Extras

Puracy Body Wash is never tested on animals and their ingredients are naturally biodegradable and the bottles are recyclable. You can purchase refill pouches of this body wash to help save on plastic waste, and the artwork on their products supports local artists. If that’s not enough, the company also makes donations to the less fortunate with every purchase you make of their product.

Pros

  • Vegan-friendly, all-natural body wash that is safe to use on adults, young kids and pets
  • Ingredients are naturally biodegradable
  • Can purchase refill packages to avoid additional plastic waste
  • Make donations to the less fortunate when you purchase their product

Cons

  • Won’t leave a pleasant and lasting scent on your skin after use

2. Mrs. Meyer's Clean Day Moisturizing Body Wash

Mrs. Meyer's Clean Day Moisturizing Body Wash

Why we like it: Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day Moisturizing Body Wash is dermatologically-tested, vegan-friendly and can be purchased in four scent options. Soothing ingredients like aloe vera gel and essential oils will leave your skin feeling soft and super hydrated.

Editor’s Rating:

Soothing Qualities

Mrs. Meyer’s body wash is dermatologically-tested and will leave your skin feeling smooth and refreshed. It is meant for cleansing your whole body and will leave a pleasant scent in your bathroom after using it without causing breakouts.

Your skin will also feel clean and soft without any leftover residue or a feeling of stickiness. If you struggle with psoriasis or eczema, Mrs. Meyer’s body wash will help prevent flare-ups. However, it doesn’t lather up as well as other body washes.

Recommendations for Use

You can use Mrs. Meyer’s as either a body wash or a super moisturizing hand soap. You can even use it to wash any delicate clothing items you have at home. Simply lather it on your hands (or with a loofah or washcloth if your skin isn’t too sensitive) and wash all over.

Ingredients

You can find enriching, fresh ingredients like aloe vera gel, essential oils and flaxseed oil. The honeysuckle in it gives the body wash the pleasing aroma of a fresh bouquet of different flowers.

Extras

You can purchase Mrs. Meyer’s body wash in four different scents: Basil, Honeysuckle, Lavender and Lemon Verbena. They are also cruelty-free and vegan, meaning that none of their products are ever tested on animals. If you are unhappy with your purchase for any reason, you can return it within thirty days of receipt.

Pros

  • Dermatologically-tested and vegan-friendly
  • Doesn’t leave behind any leftover residue or feelings of stickiness
  • Comes in four different scents
  • Can be returned within 30 days of receipt

Cons

  • Doesn’t lather up as well as other body washes

3. Best Premium Body Wash: Alba Botanica French Lavender Bath & Shower Gel

Alba Botanica French Lavender Bath & Shower Gel

Why we like it: Alba Botanica is extremely eco-friendly. They make sure to use ingredients and resources that are compassionate to all living things, and they only package their products with sustainably-sourced goods.

Editor’s Rating:

Soothing Qualities

Alba Botanica body wash gently cleans your skin and leaves it feeling super smooth. The lavender scent provides an overall calming effect. It’s even safe to use in areas of your body that are commonly easy to irritate. It’s not likely to upset your allergies or sensitive skin that easily gets itchy or dry. Additionally, Alba Botanica body wash has a nice, silky consistency that suds up well. It does not leave behind a filmy feeling on your skin after use.

Recommendations for Use

Smooth the shower gel over your entire body while in the shower or bath. Massage it into a lather and rinse off with fresh water. If you’re using it in a bubble bath, be sure to add a generous amount of the liquid to running water to create enriching soap bubbles.

Ingredients

Alba Botanica Fresh Lavender body wash is made with botanical extracts like lavender, aloe leaf juice, lemon balm and chamomile. It does not contain any parabens, phthalates or harsh sulfates. The ingredients are 100% vegetarian, hypoallergenic and never tested on animals. The coconut oil leaves your skin feeling super supple.

Extras

You can purchase Alba Botanica in four other scents that hydrate dry and sensitive skin: Honey Mango, Sparkling Mint, Island Citrus and Midnight Tuberose. However, some have found that the scent is overpowering.

The company is focused on being ethical and compassionate in their treatment towards all living things. None of their products are made with or tested on animals. They believe in being environmentally conscious with what they use inside and outside their products, so they make it a point to use sustainably sourced packaging their goods.

Pros

  • Safe to use on all sensitive, irritation-prone parts of your body
  • Does not leave behind a filmy feeling on your skin
  • Ingredients are 100% vegetarian
  • Comes in four other scents

Cons

  • Some scents may be overpowering

4. Aveeno Skin Relief Body Wash

Aveeno Skin Relief Body Wash

Why we like it: Aveeno Skin Relief Body Wash is one of many excellent products from a company that has been recommended by dermatologists for over sixty-five years.

Editor’s Rating:

Soothing Qualities

Aveeno Skin Relief has a lovely coconut scent and cleans off dirt, oil and bacteria from your skin gently. It can be used daily without damaging your natural moisture barrier, leaving your skin feeling smooth, soft and looking healthy.

It is dermatologist-tested, allergy-tested, soap-free and dye-free. This means that it will be as super gentle on sensitive skin as a fragrance-free body wash. Even though it is soap-free, it still lathers up nicely, and it won’t irritate your skin.

Just ensure that you don’t use an exfoliator with it. For some, this will leave an oily feeling on your skin’s surface and could potentially cause acne breakouts.

Recommendations for Use

Gently lather the body wash on your skin’s problem areas with your fingertips. If you want to lock in moisture for a period of up to 24 hours after using this body wash, make sure to use a moisturizer after showering or bathing.

Ingredients

Aveeno body wash is made with a soothing oat formula that gently moisturizes your skin. It is enriched with a lovely coconut scent. It is soap-free and dye-free and contains nourishing ingredients like glycerine, cocos nucifera oil and avena sativa kernel oil. Please be aware that this formula does contain sodium laureth sulfate which may irritate certain types of dry skin sensitivities.

Extras

Aveeno has been a dermatologist-recommended skincare brand for over sixty-five years. It has a light coconut scent that leaves a pleasant, long-lasting smell on you after using it. If you are unhappy with your purchase for any reason, you can return it within thirty days of receipt.

Pros

  • Dermatologist-recommended brand for over sixty-five years
  • Can be used daily without damaging your skin’s natural moisture barrier
  • Soap-free, dye-free and allergy-tested
  • Can be returned within 30 days of receipt

Cons

  • May leave an oily feeling on your skin and/or cause acne breakouts
  • Does contain sodium laureth sulfate which may irritate certain types of dry skin

5. Best Budget Body Wash: NIVEA Nourishing Care Body Wash

NIVEA Nourishing Care Body Wash

Why we like it: NIVEA Nourishing Care Body Wash has a nice, creamy lather to it that locks moisture in your skin for up to 48 hours. You can even use it for shaving!

Editor’s Rating:

Soothing Qualities

NIVEA body wash has a nice, creamy lather that leaves your skin feeling super soft without drying it out. The formula locks in moisture for up to 48 hours, leaving your skin looking healthier and feeling more hydrated. It is gentle enough on your skin to use daily. Some have even forgotten to use a moisturizing lotion after showering because their skin already felt so soft and smooth!

Recommendations for Use

Squeeze this body wash onto wet hands (or a washcloth or loofah if your skin is not too sensitive). Massage until it turns into a creamy lather on your skin. Rinse it off with fresh water when done. Make sure to moisturize with lotion, ointment or cream after your shower for the best effect.

Ingredients

NIVEA Nourishing Care Body Wash contains a lovely, hydrating serum that is enriched with oils derived from plants, essential skin lipids and vitamins. There are no parabens or microplastic particles in it.

Extras

You can use this body wash for shaving as well as showering. It has a floral scent to it, but it may be unpleasant for people who have a sensitive sense of smell. If you are unhappy with your purchase for any reason, you can return it within thirty days of receipt.

Pros

  • Locks moisture in for up to 48 hours
  • You can use it to shave
  • Can be returned within 30 days of receipt

Cons

  • Some may find the smell unpleasant

6. Best for Eczema: Vanicream Gentle Body Wash

Vanicream Gentle Body Wash

Why we like it: Vanicream Gentle Body Wash is dermatologist-tested, removing dirt and oil from your skin without drying it out.

Editor’s Rating:

Soothing Qualities

Vanicream is dermatologist-tested and gently removes dirt and oils from your skin without drying it out. It can lather up in soft or hard water, leaving your skin feeling squeaky clean and smooth. However, many have found that it is more of a light foam than a thick one. It’s effective for people who have a history of eczema and atopic dermatitis from birth. The smell may be off-putting for some people.

Ingredients

Vanicream Gentle Body Wash is formulated without ingredients that are common chemical irritants found in everyday cleansers. It is free of dyes, fragrance, lanolin, parabens formaldehyde, and formaldehyde releasers. Additionally, it is soap-, oil-, sulfate- and gluten-free.

Extras

If you are unhappy with your purchase for any reason, you can return it within thirty days of receipt.

Pros

  • Dermatologist-tested
  • Excellent choice for people who struggle with eczema and atopic dermatitis
  • Can be returned within 30 days of receipt

Cons

  • Foam is lighter in feel than other body washes
  • Smell may be strong for some people

7. Good for Makeup Removal: Eucerin Body and Face Cleanser

Eucerin Body and Face Cleanser

Why we like it: Eucerin Advanced Cleansing Body and Face Cleanser is so gentle on your skin that you can use it on your entire body! The gentle foam works well to clean your face and remove any makeup you apply.

Editor’s Rating:

Soothing Qualities

Eucerine’s soap-free formula helps keep your skin from drying out without damaging its natural protective barriers. It rinses off clean from your skin without leaving any residue behind, is gentle enough to use on your face and works as a great makeup remover.

Eucerin Advanced Cleansing Body and Face Cleanser is non-comedogenic, extra mild and keeps your skin at its natural pH balance of 5. Though this body wash is an excellent skin soother, it can cause breakouts on extremely sensitive skin.

Recommendations for Use

To get a decent foam, make sure to rub the body lotion between your hands after wetting them with warm water. Then, gently massage the body wash foam onto wet skin in a circular motion. Rinse it off and pat your skin dry afterward.

Ingredients

Eucerin Advanced Cleansing Body and Face Cleanser is fragrance-, soap- and dye-free. It is made with gentle ingredients like surfactants, citric acid and hydrogenated glycerin.

Extras

This body wash is gentle enough to use on your face and body. It is unscented but does have a natural smell from the ingredients it contains. If you are unhappy with your purchase for any reason, you can return it within thirty days of receipt.

Pros

  • Gentle enough to use on your face and easily removes makeup
  • Fragrance-, soap- and dye-free
  • Can be returned within 30 days of receipt

Cons

  • Can cause breakouts on extremely sensitive skin

8. Best for Itchy Skin: Curél Hydra Therapy Itch Defense Body Wash

Curél Hydra Therapy Itch Defense Body Wash

Why we like it: Curél Hydra Therapy body wash has been awarded the National Eczema Association Seal of Acceptance which means that it is safe for people with eczema or severe skin conditions.

Editor’s Rating:

Soothing Qualities

Curél is a safe body wash to use on eczema-prone skin and helps to relieve dryness and itchiness for up to 24 hours. It is so gentle on skin that you can use it on babies from the age of six months and up. The formula creates a wonderfully rich lather that gently cleans your skin. However, if you have extremely dry skin issues, you may not find this body wash as soothing as others.

Recommendations for Use

Pour the body wash onto your hands when they are wet to generate a lather and then gently apply it to your wet skin. Rinse with fresh water afterward.

Ingredients

Curél is a soap-free formula that works wonderfully for dry, itchy skin. There are no added fragrances. It has hydrating ingredients like jojoba oil, olive oil, ceramide and shea butter.

Extras

Curél Hydra Therapy body wash was granted the National Eczema Association Seal of Acceptance. This means that people who have eczema or severe skin conditions will be safe to use this body wash.

Pros

  • Great for Itchy Skin
  • No irritating fragrances
  • National Eczema Association Seal of Acceptance

Cons

  • No fragrance
  • Not effective for those with extremely dry skin

9. Best Lather: Bliss Lemon & Sage Soapy Suds Body Wash

Bliss Lemon & Sage Soapy Suds Body Wash

Why we like it: Like Mrs. Meyer's Clean Day Moisturizing Body Wash, Bliss Lemon & Sage Soapy Suds Body Wash is vegan-friendly. It is also cruelty-free and PETA-certified.

Editor’s Rating:

Soothing Qualities

Bliss body wash foams up into a wonderful, silky lather that helps your skin feel soft and smooth after application. It cleans away dirt, oil and other environmental impurities without stripping your skin of its natural moisture barriers. Taking inspiration from the idea of a relaxing day getting a spa treatment, this body wash is made to pamper your skin.

Ingredients

This body wash contains soothing ingredients like aloe leaf extract and glycerine that help to draw moisture into the skin and increase its overall hydration.

Extras

Bliss Lemon & Sage body wash is 100% vegan, PETA-certified and cruelty-free. Most find the lemon scent very pleasing. However, if you use a lot of essential oils in your daily life, you may find that the lemon fragrance smells a bit artificial.

Pros

  • Vegan-friendly, PETA-certified and cruelty-free
  • Ingredients help to draw in and increase hydration
  • Can be returned within 30 days of receipt

Cons

  • Lemon fragrance may smell artificial to some people

10. Olay Ultra Moisture Body Wash

Olay Ultra Moisture Body Wash

Why we like it: Olay has taken part in over 60 years of skincare science, conducting over 400,000 safety and quality tests annually to make sure that their products are safe and effective for their consumers.

Editor’s Rating:

Soothing Qualities

Olay Ultra body wash moisturizes your skin, layer by layer, while gently cleaning it. This is a great choice for you if you have extra-dry skin, dull skin or rough skin on your elbows and knees. It is also a great option for people who struggle with eczema. You will be sure to see visible results (even after your first use), with the best results showing after you get through your first bottle.

Recommendations for Use

Squeeze a small amount into wet hands (or a wet puff or washcloth), lather it on your skin and rinse with fresh water.

Ingredients

Olay Ultra contains nourishing ingredients like glycerine, mineral oil and citric acid. Please be aware that if you have specific sensitivities to sodium lauryl sulfate, it is found in this body wash’s formula.

Extras

Olay has over 60 years of skincare science and takes making safe products seriously. Each year, they conduct over 400,000 safety and quality tests of their products to make sure that they perform well for their customers. It does have a light scent that some people may find unpleasant.

Pros

  • Frequently conducts quality and safety tests on their products
  • Over 60 years of skincare science
  • Great choice for people with eczema, extra-dry skin, dull skin or rough skin

Cons

  • Scent may be unpleasant for some people

11. CeraVe Soothing Body Wash

CeraVe Soothing Body Wash

Why we like it: Like Curél Hydra Therapy Itch Defense Body Wash, CeraVe Soothing Body Wash has been awarded the Seal of Acceptance by the National Eczema Association.

Editor’s Rating:

Soothing Qualities

CeraVe has been developed with the help of dermatologists and is an ultra-gentle body wash that helps to calm down dry, itchy and/or eczema-prone skin. It also works well for people with psoriasis.

It hydrates your skin all day long and helps to restore the natural moisture protection barrier in your skin. If you also experience itchy rashes on the underside of your breasts, CeraVe Soothing Body Wash works particularly well to alleviate these particular types of skin irritations. However, it can leave a filmy, oily texture on your skin after use.

Recommendations for Use

Be careful when pouring this liquid into your hands as it is oily and watery in feel. If you spill too much in your shower, you may want to invest in a rubber mat to help protect you from accidental slips.

Ingredients

CeraVe Soothing Body Wash is made with three essential ceramides: 1, 3 and 6-II. It also contains hyaluronic acid that helps to repair your skin’s natural moisturizing barriers. The omega oils it contains also help to calm dry skin. There are no parabens, sulfates or added fragrances.

Extras

This body wash has been given the Seal of Acceptance by the National Eczema Association for the positive effects it has had on people who struggle with various sensitive skin conditions. If you are unhappy with your purchase for any reason, you can return it within thirty days of receipt.

Pros

  • Helps to calm down dry, itchy and eczema-prone skin
  • Developed with the help of dermatologists
  • Can be returned within 30 days of receipt

Cons

  • Oily and watery in feel and may leave a filmy texture on skin after use

Guide to Buying the Best Body Wash for Dry Skin


woman in bath with soap lathered on arms

In this full guide, we’re going to deep dive on the ingredients that are used in body washes and how they can positively affect your dry skin and bring relief. Then, we’ll offer some tips on how to get the most out of your chosen body wash.

Ingredients that are Soothing on Dry Skin

These ingredients are all mainstays in body washes for dry skin, with different products emphasizing the use of different ingredients.

Aloe

Aloe is an antioxidant that is antimicrobial, immune-boosting and can even help to heal wounds. All of these qualities work together to soothe skin and it is well-known for being extremely hydrating for skin. If you’re looking for a body wash with this specific ingredient, consider purchasing Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day Moisturizing Body Wash.

Ceramides

Ceramides help to lock in moisture in the skin by creating a barrier that prevents permeability, and they also have anti-aging effects. This will help you avoid skin irritations and dryness. Ceramides may also protect your skin from environmental damage. You might want to purchase CeraVe Soothing Body Wash if you are looking for a body wash with this specific ingredient.

Glycerin

Glycerine traps moisture in your skin, and it also helps to bring moisture up to the top layer of your skin. This will result in a reduction in the visibility of wrinkles, making your skin will look healthier, smoother and younger. Aveeno Skin Relief Body Wash is a good option for you if you’re in need of this specific ingredient in your body wash.

Hyaluronic Acid

Hyaluronic acid helps to relieve dry skin while reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Consider purchasing CeraVe Soothing Body Wash if this is something you are looking for.

Lavender

Lavender is a great ingredient for reducing inflammation, and it has antiseptic properties. It can also reduce the appearance of redness in the skin, so it is often a popular choice for people with rosacea. Alba Botanica French Lavender Bath & Shower Gel is a great option for you if you love that soothing, lavender scent.

Non-Fragrant Plant Oils

Borage seed, argan, evening primrose, sunflower seed and cranberry seed are all excellent non-fragrant plant oil options that help to rejuvenate and hydrate dry skin. If that isn’t enough, these oils also have antioxidant qualities as well, which will help protect your skin from environmental damage that can also irritate dry skin. Olay Ultra Moisture Body Wash contains mineral oils that are non-fragrant and won’t clog your pores.

Omega Oils & Natural Lipids

If you see omega oils and natural lipids listed on the ingredients label of your body wash, count yourself lucky! These ingredients will soothe your skin and help ease the feeling of dry, itchy skin through excellent hydration. Consider purchasing NIVEA Nourishing Care Body Wash if this is an ingredient that you need for your skin.

Plant Butters

Shea, cocoa and jojoba are super luxurious butters that help to hydrate and nourish dry skin. They hold in moisture well and can even help prevent moisture loss in your skin after prolonged use. Curél Hydra Therapy Itch Defense Body Wash is a great option for you as it contains shea butter.

How to Use Body Wash on Dry Skin

Believe it or not, you do not need to wash your body with soap every day. This is especially true if you have dry skin. So unless you are visibly dirty or you’ve been sweating a lot in the course of a day, you can simply rinse your body with water if you want to take a shower. Additionally, the only parts of your body that really need to be washed with soap are your groin and underarms.

To avoid adding to your skin dryness, it is recommended that you wash your body with your fingertips to spread the body wash around yourself instead of using a loofah or washcloth. Make sure you are as gentle as possible on your skin.

Focus on lathering and washing under your arms, around your groin and on any other visibly dirty or smelly areas of your body instead of lathering your whole body with soap. After your bath or shower, pat yourself dry and apply a dry-skin friendly moisturizer while you are still damp. This will help lock moisture into your skin. You will want to use a lotion, cream or ointment that is thick in feel.

Pro Tips for How to Care for Dry Skin

running water coming out of shower head

Limit your bath time to under five minutes and your shower time to under ten. Less is more!
 woman checking water temperature from tap

Be sure to shower or bathe with lukewarm water. Hot water is your enemy! Only wash yourself with body wash in areas that need more than a quick rinse with water, and be sure to moisturize with a cream, ointment or lotion right after.
close up of pruny fingers

Sometimes waiting for your fingertips to get all pruny when you’re taking a bath can be a good thing for dry skin. This means that your skin has absorbed a large amount of water.
close up of person pumping lotion on their hand

We can’t stress this enough: make sure to moisturize your skin frequently! This is an essential practice, especially if you have extremely dry skin. Thick creams, lotions and/or oils will protect your skin the best against drying out.
woman applying lotion to arm

Exfoliation is a great way to remove that icky top layer of dead skin, but this can be terrible for dry skin. It is important not to use abrasive materials on your skin.

If you need to exfoliate, do so chemically with alpha or beta hydroxy acids. And always, always apply moisturizer afterward! For problem areas like elbows and knees that are prone to dry cracking in the skin, be sure to apply a thick layer of moisturizer to the skin and cover it overnight while you sleep with socks, gloves or some other form of wrapping to keep the lotion from transferring to your bedsheets. This method of hydration is a common practice for people who have psoriasis.
close up of person rubbing hand

If you feel a tingling sensation with the body wash product you’re using, this is not a good sign. This is a clue that the body wash probably contains menthol which may be working to dry your skin out even more.
close up of woman shampooing her hair

Also, pay attention to the kind of shampoo you use. The skin on your scalp is prone to drying out as well if you’re washing your hair with ingredients that make dry skin worse.
close up survey paper about patch testing

If you’re trying out a new body wash, be sure to do a patch test before you use it all over your body. Your skin will thank you!
close up glasses of water on a table

Skin hydration needs to take place internally as well as externally. It won’t be enough for you to just apply a good moisturizer every day. You will also need to make sure that you drink loads of water every day to stay properly hydrated.
close up of hand turning on humidifier

You might want to think about purchasing a humidifier to use at night while you sleep. You can even invest in a small one to keep around your workplace.
close up of oil bottle and dropper

If you have extremely dry skin or you go through periods where your skin is extra dry, you can mix oils like jojoba or rosehip into the moisturizer you commonly use to help hydrate it. Do not use this method all of the time as it will be too heavy on your skin.

Shining, Healthy and Happy Skin

Skincare is an important part of your daily routine, and it is important that you remain consistent if you have dry skin. That is why it is important to choose a body wash that helps combat dry skin and relieve its symptoms. The products on this list will do just that. Now that you know more about what to look for when choosing a body wash, hopefully you can find the best one for you.

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