Dry skin
Why do I have dry skin?
Dry skin (sometimes called ashy skin) can happen for many reasons.
Everyday products: Harsh or scented soaps, detergents, cleaning supplies, or even certain fabrics can strip the skin’s natural oils.
Environment: Low humidity, dry air, wind, and cold weather all pull water out of the skin.
Genetics: Some people simply inherit a tendency toward dry skin.
Health conditions: Thyroid disease, kidney or liver issues, and other medical conditions can contribute.
Medications: Certain medicines can cause skin dryness as a side effect.
Aging: As we get older, our skin naturally makes less of its own moisturizer, leading to dryness over time.
How do I fix dry skin?
When your skin feels dry, itchy, or ashy, a few simple changes can make a big difference:
Switch to gentle cleansers: Avoid harsh or scented soaps. Choose mild options like Dove (bar or liquid), CeraVe, Cetaphil, La Roche-Posay, or Vanicream.
Limit bathing: Shower or bathe once a day at most. After you gently pat dry, apply a moisturizing cream right away before putting on clothes.
Nighttime care: Apply a thin layer of Vaseline or Aquaphor to very dry spots before bed.
For thick, rough patches: Use urea cream (10–20%). For faster results, apply it to the skin and wrap the area in plastic wrap for about an hour. Urea helps break down flaky skin so it can peel off gently.
Add moisture to the air: In dry climates or when heaters are running, use a cool-mist humidifier overnight in the bedroom or during the day in main living spaces.
For painful cracks (fissures): Some people use super glue. After pressing the fissure closed (you may need an extra set of hands), apply a thin line of glue along the crack to hold it together and keep out irritants.
What is the difference between lotions, creams, and ointments?
The main difference between these types of moisturizers is how much water and alcohol they contain. This changes how thick or greasy they feel—and how well they work for dry skin.
LOTIONS:
Lotions have the most water and alcohol. They are thin, spread easily, and feel less greasy—but they usually do not fix dry skin well.
CREAMS:
Creams are in the middle (like Goldilocks)—not too thick, not too thin. They have less alcohol than lotions and are the best choice for most people with dry skin.
Great cream options: Vanicream Moisturizing Cream and CeraVe Moisturizing Cream.
Natural butters like cocoa butter and shea butter (from cocoa beans or African shea nuts) are also excellent because they are rich in fatty acids. Choose versions with minimal fragrance. Vaseline also makes a great cocoa butter product.
OINTMENTS:
Ointments are the thickest and have little to no alcohol. They are usually just petrolatum (Vaseline) or a mix of petrolatum and mineral oil (Aquaphor) or ceramides (CeraVe). They are the best at locking in moisture and healing very dry or cracked skin—but they are also the greasiest.
What if my dry skin isn’t getting better?
Most people improve with the steps above, but sometimes dry or ashy skin has another cause. It may be related to a medical condition, medication side effect, or even skin allergies (such as a reaction to clothing or detergents).
If your skin is not improving, or if you have other symptoms, see your doctor. If over-the-counter options aren’t working, look for a board-certified dermatologist in your area. If you are in or near Utah, see one of my excellent colleagues at the University of Utah or me virtually with Honeydew.
DISCLAIMER
The statements expressed and content of this website are not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Readers should seek their own professional counsel for any medical condition or before starting or altering any treatment, exercise, or dietary plan. Please see our full disclaimer here.