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

SPECIAL OFFER: - Limited Time Only!
(The ad below will not display on your printed page)

SAVE EVEN MORE! Say "Yes" to Fitness® Magazine today and get a second year for HALF PRICE – 2 full years (20 issues) for just $15. You also get our new Fitness Band and Total Body Express Band Workout ABSOLUTELY FREE! (U.S. orders only)

Email:

First Name:

Last Name:

Address:

City:

State:

Zip:

100% Money-Back Guarantee: You must be pleased, or you may cancel any time during the life of your subscription and receive a refund on any unserved issues – no questions asked. Fitness® Magazine is currently published 10 times annually – subject to change without notice. Double issues may be published, which count as 2 issues. Applicable sales tax will be added. E-mail address required to access your account and member benefits online. We will not share your e-mail address with anyone. Click here to view our privacy policy.

« Back |

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

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.