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I’m a beauty expert – these are the top bodycare products for dry and sensitive skin
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Dry body skin is very common, and while it’s frustrating dealing with scaly skin, cracked elbows or all-over tightness when you step out of the shower, there are plenty of products that can help.
As a beauty journalist, I’m constantly testing products, so I’ve made my way through my fair share of empties, spanning super expensive body oils that cost upwards of £50, to thrifty high-street finds that are a little over a fiver.
That said, it’s easier said than done to add moisturising every day to your to-do list – often it can be that one step you just can’t be bothered with, especially if you’re rushing out the door in the morning in a hurry.
I get it. That’s why in this roundup, you’ll find a mix of rich, lavish body butters when you have all the time in the world to indulge, alongside convenient and practical spray moisturisers that barely need to be rubbed in.
My top picks also include a hand cream my eczema-prone skin can’t be without when it’s cold, and the underrated shower gel that keeps any irritation at bay from the moment I step into the shower.
The best body products for dry skin
E45 Daily Hydrating Lotion Spray Moisturiser
I get it, sometimes you just can’t be bothered to moisturise every day, on top of washing your hair, getting enough sleep and keeping up with your skincare routine.
That’s exactly why I love a functional spray moisturiser, and this no frills option from E45 ticks every box.
Just liberally spritz all over your skin, lightly rub in, and you’re good to go.
It’s particularly ideal if you don’t love heavier textures like an oil or body butter, while also being safe for eczema-prone skin.
It’s fragrance-free, suitable for babies, kids, and adults, and is a bargain.
What’s not to love?
Vaseline Gluta-Hya Overnight Radiance Serum Burst Lotion
Vaseline’s Gluta-Hya Overnight Radiance Serum Burst Lotion is a standout favourite for keeping my skin soft and supple before bed.
It’s a weightless jelly texture that bursts into water droplets when you rub it in to leave behind dewy, soft skin with not a hint of dryness.
You don’t need to spend ages applying it either, it sinks into the skin within seconds and outperforms many luxurious body butters and oils I’ve tried in the past.
Naturium The Glow Getter Multi-Oil Body Butter
This is a glorious body butter that I love so much, I’m onto my fifth tub.
It smells incredible, thanks to the subtle vanilla and coconut scent, but the rich, creamy texture is what keeps me coming back.
When I’m feeling lazy, I often apply it straight to damp skin as soon as I step out of the shower, and it rubs in twice as fast.
It improves texture, dryness on my knees, ankles and elbows and is packed with a cocktail of ingredients including shea butter, squalane, peptide and glycerine that hydrate and moisturise long-term.
La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Soothing Hand Cream
Don’t forget about your hands, which can be particularly prone to dryness in between handwashing, cold weather and central heating.
Worse still, if you’re anything like me, this time of year can exacerbate eczema or dermatitis, leading to sore, cracked skin.
This is the hand cream I reach for when my skin is struggling.
It’s not fancy, with no luxurious fragrances or delicate packaging, but it does the job at a reasonable price.
It cleverly creates an invisible film that protects hands from harsh, drying soaps, frequent handwashing, and exposure to cold.
It’s not oily, sticky or greasy and makes an instant improvement.
Aveeno Skin Relief Body Oil Spray
Body oils feel super luxurious, but can be messy.
If you have dry skin year-round, this Aveeno spray is a great compromise.
It’s more affordable than most, has lasted almost four months, and can be used as often as you like.
As it’s a dry oil, it absorbs quickly without any residue, so it never drips down a pyjama sleeve and leaves sticky marks.
Nivea Soft Moisturiser for Face Hand & Body
You cannot go wrong with Nivea Soft.
I always keep a tub close by, not just because I can’t get enough of the fresh scent, but because it’s a reliable favourite when I want something that rubs in quickly, improves dry skin in a couple of days and doesn’t break the bank.
It never irritates the eczema that shows up around my ankles and all over my knuckles when the weather is cold, and it doesn’t leave me feeling sticky.
Bioderma Atoderm Shower Gel
If you have sensitive skin, it’s no use applying lotions and creams post-shower if it’s your shower gel to blame for irritation.
Bioderma’s Atoderm Shower Gel comes in a giant 1-litre bottle and gently cleanses without leaving your skin feeling tight or uncomfortable.
When you apply it to wet skin, it transforms into a creamy foam that leaves you feeling clean and soothed.
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