I Apply Heavy Cream Daily, So Why Is My Skin Still Dry?

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You can apply lotion as much as you want, but without the right ingredients, you'll still have dry skin. Our expert tells you how to pick the best lotion.

By Leah Wyar

Q. I apply heavy cream morning and night, but I'm still dry from head to toe. What's the deal?

A. Frosting-thick moisturizer may seem like the creme de la creme, but its texture can prevent softening ingredients from penetrating. (Who knew?) Instead, try a lighter lotion with dimethicone. "It creates a glove-like layer that locks in your natural moisture as well as hydrating ingredients in the formula," says New York City dermatologist Macrene Alexiades, MD. The barrier is also water-resistant -- perfect in winter, when you're washing your hands more often. I scoured some of the newest lotions and discovered that 24-hour formulas (check the label) usually contain the ingredient.

Originally published in FITNESS magazine, February 2009.

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mhamilton43 wrote:

Aveeno. I use the Aveeno with the green label because I'm sensitive to fragrances. When I go to the store or send someone else to buy it I just say, "Aveeno in the greeno". Just a silly way to remind them which one to buy.

1/22/2010 10:01:17 AM Report Abuse

wildcatskr wrote:

I have this problem so I found lotions for extra dry skin. I've tried "Aveeno Skin Relief" and "Vaseline intensive rescue clinical therapy" and both work wonders for my skin. I also have REALLY sensitive skin and neither of these products bother me at all.

1/21/2010 04:32:53 PM Report Abuse

sunshine8644902 wrote:

I have really dry skin on my face, especially around my mouth and nose, in the winter time. Is there a certain lotion I should use?

1/21/2010 10:36:41 AM Report Abuse

essentialfitness wrote:

Curel has dimethicone. I've been using it after I shower for years. A little pricey but worth it.

1/21/2010 09:41:01 AM Report Abuse

peeblesf wrote:

eucerin intensive dry does the trick everytime.

1/20/2010 05:08:13 PM Report Abuse