Any supermarket or pharmacy holds a dizzying array of lotions and creams promising to treat dry skin. These creams and lotions vary in moisture content and are meant to treat varying levels of skin dryness. Creams formulated for the exceptionally dry skin have the highest moisture content. Users are instructed to apply the cream immediately after a shower, while the skin is still soft and moist, to reap the formula's maximum moisturizing effect.

An alternative to creams and lotions are natural oils such as olive oil. These oils are best applied after taking a bath, before toweling off. Dry Skin Body Lotion: Oil-based or Water-based There are two kinds of lotions in the market: oil-based and water-based. Between the two, oil-based creams and lotions are more suited for extremely dry skin. They help the skin retain the maximum amount of moisture. They immediately relieve dry flaky skin and the itching that accompanies this condition.

The thickness of a lotion or cream depends on its water content. The thicker or creamier the lotion, the less water it contains. Water-based creams and lotions are more appropriate for normal to oily skin. They provide enough moisture and are non-greasy. The advantage of water-based creams and lotions is that they do not clog pores and are unlikely to cause any allergic reactions unlike oil-based creams and lotions.

The Magic Ingredients of Dry Skin Body Lotions

Vitamin E is one of the most heralded vitamins said to be beneficial to skin. Vitamin E is marketed as responsible for giving a natural glow and nourishing the skin. Vitamin E is best taken with Vitamin C.

Dry Skin and Non Dry Skin Body Lotion Treatments

So what causes dry skin? As we age, cellular reproduction slows down. The body is unable to produce the same amount of body oils needed to keep skin from becoming dry. Drinking plenty of water helps keep the body ? and skin ? properly hydrated. It also helps flush out toxins from the body.

Extreme weather conditions such as winter can lead to dry skin. Exposure to strong winds and extreme heat are equally harsh on the skin.

Use of soaps such as laundry detergent with harsh chemicals can make your skin dry. Using these products cannot be helped; a physical barrier such as gloves helps protect the skin against the chemicals that causes dry skin. Proper diet and exercise promote healthy skin. Topical lotions treat dry skin from the outside while proper diet and exercise treat work internally to maintain healthy skin.

Treatment of dry skin should be a combination of an effective topical cream or lotion; a physical barrier such as gloves against harsh weather conditions or chemicals; and proper diet and exercise. Remember, dry skin body lotions treat but do not cure dry skin. It only helps maintain but it's no miracle cure.