Products for
Dry Skin
Types

Skin dryness, which affects most people at some point in their lives, can have many possible causes. It can be influenced by both internal and external factors, including low humidity, cold weather, certain skin conditions or illnesses, and taking excessively long, hot showers. A board-certified dermatologist can help identify the root cause of your skin dryness and recommend the best options to help you restore the look of hydrated, smooth skin. To learn more about dry skin causes, head to our guide on dry vs. dehydrated skin.

Everyone’s skin is unique. This means that—depending on factors like your age, environment, and health status—signs of dry skin can vary from person to person. According to the Mayo Clinic, when skin loses too much moisture, you may experience a feeling of tightness, as well as rough texture, itchiness, flaking, and more visible fine lines.¹ These signs of dryness may worsen with age (especially over 40), as well as during the harsh, dry winter months. That’s why it’s so important to listen to your skin and seek the help of a dermatologist when needed. 

To help tackle dry skin, you’ll need a targeted skincare routine that preserves and enhances skin moisture levels. We recommend using a gentle, yet effective cleanser for dry skin twice daily to remove excess oil and dirt, without leaving your skin feeling stripped. Applying moisturizer regularly—especially after bathing when your skin is still slightly damp—is another important step to help hydrate and soothe dry skin.

It’s also helpful to carry a moisturizing hand cream or ointment to help relieve dryness on-the-go. Proper sun protective measures should also be a core part of your daily regimen since damage from the sun’s harmful rays may worsen dryness. For further guidance on how to help relieve dry skin, consult with your physician or dermatologist. Dry skin that is painful, cracks, bleeds, or interferes with your quality of life should always be assessed by a medical professional and may be a sign of an underlying illness.

When choosing products for dry skin, check the label for beneficial ingredients (like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and niacinamide) and seals of approval from reputable organizations (like the National Eczema Association). The AAD also recommends avoiding products that contain alcohol, fragrance, or harsh chemical exfoliants, as these may be irritating to dry skin or strip away natural oils.² All CeraVe products for dry skin are fragrance-free and developed with dermatologists. Formulated with three essential ceramides, they also help to lock in moisture and help maintain your skin’s protective 

A quality moisturizer is one of the skincare essentials you’ll need when caring for dry skin on your face. Using a face moisturizer twice daily—morning and night—can help seal in moisture and support healthy skin barrier function. We recommend choosing a daytime moisturizer option that includes broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30, such as CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion With Sunscreen. This hydrating face lotion with three essential ceramides is ideal for dry skin, with a multitasking formula that helps protect your skin from damaging UVA and UVB rays. 

For a nighttime face moisturizer for dry skin, try CeraVe Moisturizing Cream or CeraVe PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion with niacinamide. Discover more tips and moisturizer advice in our guide to choosing a facial moisturizer for your skin type.

For dry skin on your body, CeraVe offers a range of options to choose from. Our body moisturizers are available in various textures and formulas to suit all preferences, including creams, lotions, and ointments. For example, one excellent cream option that features a rich, non-greasy texture is CeraVe Moisturizing Cream. This fast-absorbing, fragrance-free moisturizer helps improve the look and feel of dry to very dry skin and features beneficial ingredients like petrolatum, hyaluronic acid, and ceramides. Or, if you’re looking for a lightweight, oil-free body moisturizer option, we recommend CeraVe Daily Moisturizing Lotion. This body lotion is gentle on the skin, provides long-lasting hydration, and features hyaluronic acid. To learn more about dry skin on your body, check out CeraVe’s body care routine for dry skin.

In general, a thicker formula (like a cream or ointment) is considered most effective for dry skin, according to Harvard Health.³ CeraVe offers a range of cream and ointment options, including CeraVe Healing Ointment. Formulated with petrolatum, ceramides, and hyaluronic acid, our Healing Ointment helps to temporarily protect, soothe, and hydrate skin as it recovers from cracking, chafing, and extreme dryness.  

1. “Dry Skin - Symptoms and Causes.” Mayo Clinic, 25 Jan. 2022.
2. “How To Choose the Right Moisturizer for Your Skin.” American Academy of Dermatology Association, 2022.
3. 9 Ways to Banish Dry Skin.” Harvard Health, 21 Sept. 2020.