Its one of lifes mysteries.
We spoke to dermatologists to better understand what heals dry, cracked skin and identify the best cheap moisturizers.
(Spoiler: you’re able to find many of them in drugstores.)
Susan Bard’s must-have moisturizers for dry hands include O’Keeffe’s Working Hands, which is $6.99 at Bed Bath & Beyond.
A moisturizer is a mixture of water and oil-soluble components that tackle the outermost layer of your skin.
Typically, petroleum jelly, mineral oil and waxes are used in moisturizers.
Lotions are more watery and have many ingredients.
For that reason, lotion should be used on parts of the body that arent very sensitive.
(Never use it on your face.)
Cream is simply a thick moisturizer designed for very flaky areas, such as elbows and heels.
Beckman suggests applying after showering but before drying to allow an even spread while your skin is still damp.
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Also double-check to apply moisturizer at least 20 minutes before going outside to allow maximum penetration, he says.
Avoid Vegetable Oils
Steer clear of moisturizers that contain mineral or vegetable oils, Beckman says.
Did you know?
Thick, emollient moisturizers tend to contain occlusive ingredients such as dimethicone, beeswax, lanolin, ect.
That helps prevent moisture loss from the skin, Bard says.
They can feel sticky and also clog pores leading to folliculitis and miliaria on certain parts of the body.
But humectants arent all you need, says Fayne Frey, a dermatologist and founder ofFryFace.
Moisturizers that are formulated with humectantsandocclusives are preferable, Frey says.
Effective occlusives include petrolatum, mineral oil and silicone-based derivatives like simethicone.
Effective humectants include glycerin, hyaluronic acid and propylene glycol, she says.
Bard has similar favorites.
Many users find it to be too greasy.
But it works, she says.
First, turn down your thermostat, as hot air tends to be drier than cool.
Then, pop on your humidifier.
Hot water removes the fatty substances in your skin that retain water.
Blot your skin with a towel instead of rubbing it dry, and apply moisturizer immediately following the shower.
(Can you sense my millennial sarcasm there?)
You know which ones were talking about: rent, utilities, cell phone bill, insurance, groceries…