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27 Best Products For Dry Skin, According To Moms
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Winter gets a bad rap for causing dry skin, but an itchy, flaky face or body can happen any time of year. When you're a mom, you need recommendations that work — and work fast. Mamas swear by these best skin care products for dry skin for the face and body. No, they won't just take up valuable real estate in your medicine cabinet.
Mothers are experts on many things, but they’re especially well-acquainted with moisturizing products, in part because pregnancy is known for causing very dry skin. “It’s common for pregnant women to have dry skin during pregnancy," per Healthline. "Hormone changes cause your skin to lose elasticity and moisture as it stretches and tightens to accommodate a growing belly. This can lead to flaky skin, itchiness, or other symptoms.” One of the moms I polled said her skin and scalp were so itchy and dry during her pregnancy that she had actual scratch marks on her body.
Skin will return to its usual state postpartum, once hormones have leveled out, but it’s always good to have a good moisturizer (and to use it every day). In addition to soothing your skin, the right moisturizing products can protect your skin (especially if they include SPF) and safeguard skin against important yet drying ingredients, like retinol, according to Good Housekeeping. Read on for 27 mom-approved moisturizers, all price-points included.
1. Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen
‘"It’s an incredibly moisturizing SPF 40 + makeup primer. It has the silkiest texture ever. You'd never guess it was a sunscreen." -Mary, mom of two
2. Cora Belly Butter
"I just discovered a brand, Cora, and their Belly Butter that I'm kinda obsessed with. I'm using it everywhere as a full body moisturizer. I like it because the ingredients are all natural and pronounceable, and it includes rosehip oil. It absorbs really well and smells lovely." -Anna, mom of two
3. Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream
"My splurge product is Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Moisturizer. It feels like a drink of water for my face." -Joy, mom of two
4. Trader Joe's Enrich Moisturizing Face Lotion
"The face lotion from Trader Joe’s that says “Enrich” on the bottle is a good everyday staple with SPF. The price is under $5 too which is amazing and it takes no extra time to pick up because I’m constantly at TJ's anyway." -Julia, mom of 3
5. May Lindstrom Blue Cocoon
"May Lindstrom’s The Blue Cocoon is by far the best of any product I’ve tried. It’s also really expensive. I use drugstore makeup, so this is my one beauty indulgence, and it lasts a while. It smells good too, and it's supposed to be calming." -Jenna, mom of three
6. Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hyaluronic Acid Hydrating Water Face Gel Moisturizer
"I have the driest skin ever — summer, winter, doesn't matter — and can hardly wear any BB cream or powder because it all just makes my skin get flaky on my nose and forehead and cheeks. But this stuff literally makes my skin BOUNCE and feel supple (I hate that word) and smooth." -Samantha, mom of two
7. Kiehls Calendula & Aloe Soothing Hydration Mask
"I use the mask a few times a week as a before bed mask; I leave it on all night. I put Kiehl's Skin Rescuer lotion on every day after washing my face. Love them both, but we are also a Kiehl's household, so I would be lying if I said I had truly shopped around. But, of their products these are my fave." -Meghan, mom of one
8. Aquaphor
"I discovered Aquaphor as the best cure for diaper rash, but now it’s my go to for cracked heels, dry skin post sunburn or even occasionally as a night cream. I also sometimes put it on my feet and sleep in socks. It feels like I’ve had a pedicure when, spoiler alert, I have not." -Sarah, mom of three
9. Wander Extended Stay Hydrating Mask
"Overnight masks are my new favorite thing when I'm having a dry skin attack, and this one is particularly amazing because I wake up with super soft skin that's not the slightest bit greasy. (It doesn't leave stains on my pillows, either!) Plus, it's super soothing and I love the scent, especially right before bed. Note: This mask doesn't have to be left on overnight to work; 10-15 minutes will make a huge difference, too." -Jacqueline, mom of three
10. Go-To Transformazing Sheet Mask
"When my face has turned into the Shroud Of Turin, I pop this on, and 10 minutes later have a plump, cooled, fresh face full of moisture. A godsend." -Janet, mom of 2
11. Carter and Jane The Everything Oil™
“So my husband says this smells like hay, or a farm, and he’s sort of right, though I prefer the term 'earthy'. This doesn’t irritate my skin at all, it gets rid of all traces of makeup, and it leaves my face really soft and clean." -Meredith, mom of 2
12. Crème de la Mer
"I think La Mer is the best moisturizing cream I’ve ever used but it’s super expensive, so I only use it on my face. For body, I just use drugstore brand stuff, I do like Neutrogena body oil sesame formula because it smells so good, love the texture of the oil vs. lotion, and a little goes a long way. It seems to last longer than lotion does." -Anna, mom of 2
13. Skin Design London Alpine Rose Glow
"I found this British brand on the Nordstrom website and I had a gift card (it’s so not cheap) so I decided to go for it. It leaves my skin soft and bright, and it smells like roses in a light, not-artificial way. I love it. Someone needs to get me another gift card!" -Liz, mom of 2
14. Trader Joe's Ultra Hydrating Gel Moisturizer
"My friend told me that the gel moisturizer from Trader Joe’s was a dupe for La Mer, and so I had to try it. It feels really good on my skin, not greasy. It has green tea in it which I’ve heard helps with under eye circles, which you know I have since becoming a mom." -Kayla, mom of one
15. Vanicream
“My son has extremely dry skin and battles with eczema. We have found the most success with Vanicream. It was suggested by our allergist and is super hydrating. It’s also fragrance free [and free of] several other harmful ingredients. I use it too.” -Brittany, mom of one
16. Ahava Mineral Body Lotion
"This is the only thing I use on my body, and I’ve been using it for years. I love it. It’s not greasy, feels light, and keeps my skin soft." -Jessica, mom of 2
17. Vaseline Intensive Care Advanced Repair
"This is the best hand lotion for me. It absorbs really well and never feels greasy. I’ve tried many, but this works the best for my constantly very dry hands from washing my hands and dishwashing. I use it on my daughter's hands too. " -Chloe, mom of one
18. Drunk Elephant Protini™ Polypeptide Moisturizer
"This moisturizer really helps with dryness and dullness. I use their marula oil first and then follow with this. My skin looks about the same as before I had kids, so win." -Kate, mom of two
19. Josie Maran Pure Argan Oil
"I love this product because it’s a one-stop-shop. I use it after washing my face and it feels super moisturizing and also gets rid of all my makeup. I use it on the ends of my hair too, and on my elbows which weirdly get very dry." -Alexa, mom of one
20. DHC Deep Cleansing Oil
"I love DHC oil for a cleanser/makeup remover. It’s cheap (you can get it on Amazon), and it cleans and takes off makeup without any ingredients that strip moisture. May not be good for people with naturally oily skin but I love it and it keeps my skin so moisturized, especially during the winter. Most other cleansers leave my skin feeling very dry and tight, this one doesn’t." -Anne, mom of 2
21. Olay Regenerist Whip
"I can only use fragrance-free products and this one is my go-to. It's light and leaves my skin looking firm. I also appreciate that I can pick it up at the grocery store or drugstore." -Alison, mom of one
22. Eight Saints Cloud Whip
"I bought this brand's Discovery Kit of mini products as an impulse buy when I saw it advertised on an Instagram, and I'm actually really glad I did. The vitamin C cream is my favorite for everyday use. It's super hydrating, but I can wear makeup over it, and it supposedly protects me from pollution." -Tracy, mom of two
23. Vitruvi Plum Oil
"I love this plum oil. It feels really luxurious and hydrating but it doesn't make my skin greasy or break out. The smell is amazing too." -Hannah, mom of one
24. Cetaphil Daily Moisturizing Lotion
"I've been using this since I was a kid. I have "fancier" moisturizers, but this one is so reliable and makes my face feel so soft. It doesn't irritate my skin and I find that I reach for it more than any other product." -Natalie, mom of three
25. Fresh Rose Deep Hydration Face Cream
"This moisturizer is my absolute favorite. It has hyaluronic acid in it which really hydrates my skin, unless I'm just believing the hype, but I think it really does make a difference in my skin. I use the corresponding toner too." -Lindsey, mom of two
26. Aveeno Baby Eczema Therapy Nighttime Balm
"When my skin is really dry — so much so that there is no overpriced face oil or hydrating mask to fix it — I slather my daughter’s eczema cream all over my face. Without fail, my skin feels much better within 24 hours." -Anne, mom of one
27. Beautycounter No.1 Brightening Facial Oil
"I love two face oils — neither cheap, to put it mildly. Bear in mind that I am 67 (three children and seven grands) and think I have earned the right to splurge on my skincare. Here they are: C-Cell Serum by LaFace and No.1 Brightening Facial Oil by Beautycounter (love its great citrus scent)!" -Kathi, mom of three
