How To Manage Dry, Itchy Skin on Your Face and Body

Why Does My Skin Feel Dry and Itchy?

Dry skin (formally known as xeroderma or xerosis) occurs when much-needed moisture evaporates off your skin’s surface too quickly. The reasons why your skin isn’t holding onto water effectively can vary from person to person. Often, one or more of the following factors may play a role:

• Low humidity and cold weather: According to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), dry skin is more common when temperatures drop and there’s less moisture in the air to keep your skin adequately hydrated.₁
• Dry skin conditions: Certain skin conditions (like eczema and psoriasis) can cause chronic dry skin and red, itchy rashes, per the AAD.₂ If you suspect that you may have a dry skin condition, it’s important to consult a board-certified dermatologist.
• Age: Research shows that, as you age, your skin produces less sebum (natural oils) and loses the ability to hold onto water as effectively, especially after 40 and beyond._2,3
• Improper skincare: There are a few skincare practices that may strip your skin’s natural oils and worsen dry, itchy skin—including over-cleansing, washing with harsh soaps, and taking excessively long, hot showers. 
• Lifestyle and health factors: Nutritional deficiencies, smoking, and certain chronic conditions (like diabetes) may also cause your skin to be prone to dryness.

How Can I Soothe Dry, Itchy Skin?

The ideal remedy for dry, itchy skin will depend on what’s causing your dryness. In some cases, dry skin may require the help of a dermatologist. We recommend consulting a board-certified dermatologist if your dry skin is painful, interferes with your daily activities, or doesn’t improve with regular moisturizer use.

With that said, there are a few steps you can take at home to help relieve dryness on your face or body—starting with these three basic dry skin tips.

Apply a hydrating moisturizer daily

Keeping your skin moisturized is the best way to combat dryness, according to the Cleveland Clinic.₄ They recommend applying moisturizer after bathing (when your skin is still damp) and before heading to bed at night. The right moisturizing routine for dry skin can help improve your skin’s hydration levels and support softer, smoother, and healthier-looking skin.

Avoid common dry skin triggers

In addition to regularly applying moisturizer, it’s also a good idea to avoid common dry skin triggers. Try to keep showers short (no more than 10 minutes long), use warm water to bathe, and opt for gentle, fragrance-free cleansers. For dry hands, it can also be beneficial to limit contact with potential irritants or products with high alcohol content, like some hand sanitizers.

Care for the skin’s protective barrier

According to the Cleveland Clinic, dry skin can be a sign that your skin’s natural protective barrier is damaged.₅ When your skin barrier is compromised, it may not be able to keep moisture in your skin as effectively. One way to help restore a healthy skin barrier is with moisturizers, such as CeraVe moisturizers with ceramides, which are a key component of your skin’s natural barrier. All CeraVe products contain a blend of three essential ceramides that are identical to those found naturally in your skin. To learn more, head to our ceramides page.

Skincare Routine Essentials for Dry, Itchy Skin

There are a wide variety of products you can choose from to help remedy dry skin, but CeraVe recommends opting for formulas that are developed with dermatologists, fragrance-free, gentle on the skin, and non-comedogenic (meaning they won’t clog your pores).
Below, we’re sharing a few of our favorite products for dry skin to consider adding to your skincare routine.

CeraVe Hydrating Foaming Oil Cleanser for Face & Body

Harsh soaps and cleansers can deplete moisture levels in your skin. So, for those with dry skin, CeraVe recommends choosing a hydrating, fragrance-free formula that gently removes dirt, makeup, and other impurities without leaving your skin feeling stripped. One option that’s suitable for dry to very dry skin on the face and body is CeraVe Hydrating Foaming Oil Cleanser. This lightweight cleansing oil with hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and squalane oil is designed to lock in moisture while maintaining the skin barrier.

CeraVe Hydrating Foaming Oil Cleanser for Face & Body

Harsh soaps and cleansers can deplete moisture levels in your skin. So, for those with dry skin, CeraVe recommends choosing a hydrating, fragrance-free formula that gently removes dirt, makeup, and other impurities without leaving your skin feeling stripped. One option that’s suitable for dry to very dry skin on the face and body is CeraVe Hydrating Foaming Oil Cleanser. This lightweight cleansing oil with hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and squalane oil is designed to lock in moisture while maintaining the skin barrier.

Tip: For those with dry skin who prefer a traditional foaming cleanser, try our Hydrating Cream-to-Foam Cleanser, Hydrating Facial Cleanser, and Hydrating Body Wash.

CeraVe Hydrating Hyaluronic Acid Serum

After washing your face, apply a hydrating facial serum with hyaluronic acid on slightly damp skin. Hyaluronic acid is an ideal ingredient for dry skin because of its humectant properties, which help attract and bind moisture to the skin’s surface. Our Hydrating Hyaluronic Acid Serum is formulated to replenish hydration and provide instantly smoother, softer skin.

CeraVe AM & PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion

Moisturizer is an essential step when caring for dry skin, but it’s important to choose the right formula for your skin type. One moisturizer duo that’s suitable for dry skin is CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion and CeraVe PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion. These daytime and evening formulas with ceramides and hyaluronic acid are designed to help deliver continuous, long-lasting hydration. Plus, our AM Moisturizer includes broad-spectrum SPF 30 sunscreen to help protect your skin from the damaging, drying effects of the sun.

Tip: If you have dry skin but prefer a lightweight gel texture, try our Ultra-Light Moisturizing Gel. This refreshing gel provides lasting hydration with a weightless feel on your skin. Plus, it’s suitable for all skin types (including sensitive skin).

CeraVe Moisturizing Cream

CeraVe Moisturizing Cream is a barrier-restoring cream that’s ideal for moisturizing dry skin on your body. Plus, it can also be used on your face, making it an excellent pick for those who prefer a simplified skincare routine. This rich yet non-greasy moisturizer features MVE Delivery Technology, which continually releases moisturizing ingredients for long-lasting hydration.

Tip: For dry skin accompanied by itching due to eczema, we recommend trying CeraVe Itch Relief Moisturizing Cream. The 1% pramoxine hydrochloride formula is designed to help temporarily relieve itching associated with minor skin irritations.

CeraVe Therapeutic Hand Cream

As mentioned earlier, frequent hand-washing, cleaning, and other common daily activities can contribute to dry, rough-feeling hands. Using a therapeutic hand cream can help temporarily protect your hands from the elements, alleviating dryness and restoring hydrated skin.

CeraVe Therapeutic Hand Cream is a non-greasy, fast-absorbing formula that helps prevent and temporarily protect chafed, chapped, and cracked skin. You can apply this dimethicone skin protectant as often as needed, whenever your hands are feeling dry.

CeraVe Healing Ointment

Another essential for dry, chafed, chapped, cracked, or flaky skin is an ointment—like CeraVe Healing Ointment. Our Healing Ointment features petrolatum, an occlusive moisturizer that creates a physical barrier on the skin’s surface to help seal in moisture. The occlusive properties of ointments can make them especially beneficial for soothing rough, dry patches of skin on the body—like the heels, knees, and elbows. CeraVe Healing Ointment is also fragrance-free and lanolin-free to avoid the risk of irritation from these ingredients.

Tip: Try slugging for dry, flaky skin on your face. This skincare technique is done by applying a thin layer of occlusive ointment on top of your moisturizer as the last step in your evening skincare routine. Slugging is believed to help prevent moisture loss while you sleep, which can help your skin appear dewier and more hydrated.

For help choosing the right products for your specific skin type and skin concerns, use our Find My Skincare Solution tool.