Many people aren't aware that skin is the body's largest organ. Your skin forms the first line of defense against infections and inflammation: it keeps your insides separate from the surrounding environment. When it gets dry and itchy, you may not be in danger, but you should definitely pay attention.

Dry skin has multiple causes, broadly split into two categories: internal and external.

• External causes are more commonly experienced. Even by people with originally oily or combination skin. Too much time under a hot shower, sitting in the hot sun or near a blazing fire, and the intense cold of temperate winters all have a drying effect on the skin.
  
  
• Internal causes can be physical conditions related to extremely dry skin and are usually called dermatitis. Irritant or allergic dermatitis involves external triggers of either an irritant (e.g. chemicals) or allergenic nature causing local inflammation. Seborrheic dermatitis is a reddish rash common in babies, resulting from oil over-secretion. And eczema, also common in young children, results in dry, scaly patches. Moreover, chronic health conditions like psoriasis, diabetes, and hypothyroidism might also lead to the noticeably dry skin.

Best Moisturizers for Dry Skin

Most forms of xerosis, or dry skin, are uncomfortable, but harmless. Even the more stubborn psoriasis or rosacea can be managed by the right moisturizer. Contrary to popular belief, skin moisturizers don't directly add moisture to the skin. They shouldn't be used on a very dry skin. In fact, these moisturizers should be applied to slightly damp skin because they work by coating the skin and locking the moisture in.

You are able to choose from a wide range of face and body moisturizers: keep in mind the skin dryness' severity and source, your personal preferences, and desired outcomes to make the best choice. Many products made to our list of top moisturizers as you can pick between glamorous brands and medically approved formulas for combating the dryness.

1. Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Lotion ($8)

This body lotion is a budget godsend for dry skin. It's unscented and irritant-free, uses soothing ingredients like oatmeal and hydrating components like glycerin.

2. Curel Ultra-Healing Lotion ($8)

This is a dermatologist-approved product that looks more at home in the drug-store than in the supermarket's self-care aisle. Its formulation clears up dry skin and heals the damage from dehydration while strengthening the skin against future dry spells.

3. AmLactin Daily Moisturizing Body Lotion ($13)

Lactic acid, found in this product, is such a gentle ingredient that you can rub this stuff directly on the rosacea-prone skin. Also, the product is free of fragrance and color, reducing irritation risk. It is one of the best moisturizers for dry skin.

4. La-Roche-Posay Lipikar Baume ($20)

One of the best lotions available for dry skin. This product heals dry, cracked and eczema-prone skin. Glycerine, niacinamide and shea butter rehydrate the skin and replace its softening lipids. Prebiotics help maintains skin's microbial balance.

5. Clinique Deep Comfort Body Butter ($40)

Looking for a thick, paste-like moisturizer that truly soaks into your skin? Try this body butter for an instantly hydrating experience on any part of the body.

6. Tatcha Indigo Soothing Silk Body Butter ($48)

Interested in something more glamorous? Pamper yourself with Tatcha Silk Body Butter. The silk ingredients impart an instant glow to the moisturized skin, and the beautiful Japanese indigo fends off dryness, inflammation, and even dermatitis.

7. Olay Active Botanicals ($15)

This face cream from Olay uses snow mushroom, a traditional Chinese ingredient, to plump and hydrate desiccated skin.

8. Farmacy Honey Savior ($34)

Having a bad case of winter skin? This honey-based formulation full of amino acids is one of the best face moisturizers for dry skin on the market. Antibacterial and antioxidant ingredients soothe and protect against microbial inflammation.

9. Paula's Choice Skin Recovery Replenishing Moisturizer ($29)

For dry, peeling skin, Paula's Choice replenishing moisturizer can be used on the body and face. This product really restores your skin's moisture balance. It is also good for treating rosacea or extra-dry skin due to its hypersensitive formula.

10. First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream ($30)

Colloidal oatmeal is the main component of this ultra-efficient face cream, which has rescued scores of customers from the flaky appearance brought on by dry winter months. It has the added benefit of not being too heavy, keeping the skin feeling fresh and light all day.

These products are just a drop in the bucket of moisturizing skin-care products, but we consider them your best bet for eliminating dry, flaky skin. Nevertheless, extreme cases of dry skin, dermatitis, or eczema do warrant a trip to the doctor's office. Some cases might benefit from professional attention or prescription medicine. If you have chronic dry skin, ask for your dermatologist's opinion on any of the above products. Additionally, should a skin-care product cause unusual rashes, inflammation, cracking or other symptoms, please stop using it! See the doctor right away before taking any other products.

Other Steps to Fight Dry Skin

Moisturizing routines are incredibly important to stave off dry skin. However, there are other steps you can take. Home remedies like coconut oil, oatmeal or honey baths, topical aloe vera, and drinking lots of milk can help keep skin moisturized. Face masks made of banana and honey, turmeric and milk, papaya, yogurt or peanut oil are all effective ways of re-hydrating delicate facial skin. Use regularly for best results.

A universal solution to dry skin is drinking lots of water – a surprisingly neglected step. It's also a good idea to fill your diet with hydrating fruits and vegetables. If they contain vitamins and antioxidants, that's a bonus, since these nutrients help smooth and protect your skin.

Try to stay covered when outdoors, in both the hot summer months, when sun damage can dry out the skin, and the winter months, where strong, cold winds can remove moisture. You want to wear layers in the winter to prevent overheating or chafing. Try to follow healthy skin-care practices, like washing with a non-soap bar or mild soap cleansers, using lukewarm or cool rather than hot water to bathe, patting or blotting skin dry and applying lotion onto damp rather than dry skin. Humidifiers are an excellent way of keeping skin hydrated while indoors. A 50-60% humidity level is optimal for most people.

Summary

Treating dry skin can be a tricky business. Understand which factors are contributing to your condition. Try a few moisturizers to see which one works best and is most comfortable for you. Drink water, add folk remedies to your skincare routine, and most importantly, be strict when it comes to your well-being! Your skin deserves consistent care and occasional pampering.