16 Luxurious Body Lotions to Soften Dry Skin

Most of us have a regular routine when applying skincare from the neck up, while plenty skimp on consistency everywhere else. Yet when you’ve got ultra-dry skin, slacking on body care is not an option. Scaly, flaking skin that feels tight, rough, and looks ashy can’t be ignored—it’s a sign that your skin barrier is out of whack. 

According to Julie Russak, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City, the skin barrier is the top layer of skin, which features lipids that protect you from external damage while keeping your skin nourished and comfortable. “Loss of barrier function in the top layer of the skin can result in small cracks in the top layer and increased water loss,” she explains. When that hydration escapes, you’ll experience parched skin, as well as inflammation. Common causes of skin barrier damage include arid air, excessively hot showers (which strip your skin of your natural oils), and over-exfoliation, to name a few.

You could also be predisposed to dry skin. For example, conditions like eczema and psoriasis are signs of skin barrier dysfunction, which is why those concerns can cause extreme dryness. Ethnic background can also play a role. “Though dry skin can be found in people of all races, the severity of it can vary due to the amount of melanin in the skin,” says Dr. Russak, who explains that skin with higher levels of melanin experiences increased rates of water loss and dryness. “The content of ceramides in the skin also varies with ethnicity,” she shares. “One study found that black skin contains the lowest levels of ceramide and water and therefore can be more predisposed to dry skin.”