Photo-Illustration: The Strategist; Photos: Retailers
I’ve been in the flaky-skin club since I was on Accutane as a teen, so I’m always looking for products to keep my skin moisturized. My hunt often led me to post-shower products — like body lotions and oils — but what I’ve learned while reporting this story is that what you use in the shower can actually set the stage for healthy, less-dry skin in the first place. Enter: hydrating body washes. Thanks to ingredients like glycerin and hyaluronic acid, a moisturizing body wash can help replenish your skin’s barrier, restoring its suppleness and even preventing further dehydration.
If your skin is dry, too — or you’re just trying to manage seasonal dryness — I’m here to help you navigate the body-wash aisle. I tested several formulas myself and interviewed dermatologists about the ones they recommend to patients with dry skin, which can range from temporary inflammation to skin that’s also acne-prone.
