The Best Body Lotions to Fight Flaky Skin

Dry, flaky skin can be a disaster, no matter what the season is (PS: more so, when the weather can't make up its mind). Of course, no one wants to feel rough sandpaper-like patches on their body. The antidote? Fabulous body moisturisers and lotions that hydrate dry skin and soothe those pesky dry patches like that. So, whether you prefer frill-free body lotions or luxurious body moisturisers (that smell like freshly baked cookies), these products are sure to give your skin the extra bit of TLC it needs. Here's the checklist.

Stop asking the internet which body lotion is the best for dry and extremely dry skin, because these body lotions are the absolute solution you are looking for. Along with body lotions, smooth skin can also be achieved with body exfoliators for a rejuvenated complexion. Without further ado, let’s get into why you need a body lotion and how it helps you get even, moisturised, glowing skin.

Why Should We Use Body Lotion?

Even the best lotion for dry skin can’t help you if you don’t know why it is important. Here are a few reasons why you should use a body lotion.

1. Moisture Retention

Body lotions help retain moisture on the skin; moreover, they also help add and lock in moisture when used right after a shower. Due to the dry air, hot showers, and weather conditions, your body loses moisture.

2. Improves Skin Barrier

Body lotions help maintain healthy microbiome levels and block out any irritants that may harm the body.

3. Enhances Skin Texture

A body lotion softens out some of the rougher parts of the skin, such as the elbows, knees, ankles, and heels, for a velvety touch.

4. Prevents Premature Ageing

When you moisturise your skin, you avoid sagging, stretching, and droopy skin, as it increases skin elasticity and firms up the skin.

What Ingredients to Look for in a Body Lotion for Dry Skin

The best body lotion for dry skin will have the following ingredients:

Glycerin - This humectant is great for moisture retention, hydration, and exfoliation.

Butters - Shea butter, cocoa butter, and almond butter are all good for repairing dry skin and sealing in moisture from the skin.

Aloe Vera - This natural and organic ingredient is great to soothe inflammation and itchiness, especially if you have dry and sensitive skin.

Vitamin C - This ingredient is ideal to brighten and rejuvenate your skin; it reduces dark spots, discolouration, and blemishes on the skin.

Niacinamide - This hydrating, oil-control, soothing ingredient is great for every skin type, body part, and skin concern.

Antioxidants - Antioxidants such as green tea extracts, vitamin E, and glutathione are also some ingredients found in some of the best body lotions for extremely dry skin.

Salicylic Acid - If you have acne-prone skin, you need an antimicrobial that kills body acne, lesions and inflammations.

Best Body Lotions For Dry Skin

Here’s the list of the best body lotions and best serums to tackle concerns head-to-toe.

1. Vaseline Intensive Care Cocoa Glow Body Lotion

Ever wanted to know what chocolate feels like on your skin? Well, Vaseline heard you! Have a look at your cold-weather BFF. With a unique blend of pure Cocoa Butter and micro-droplets of Vaseline jelly, it’s quickly absorbed and doesn’t feel sticky. Soft, supple skin is seconds away with this best moisturiser for dry skin.

2. Nivea Cocoa Nourish Body Lotion

For extremely dry and under-replenished skin, this body lotion for dry skin is the best. For the first time ever, this concoction of oil in a lotion formula is packed with Coconut Oil and Cocoa Butter, thus providing intense moisturization for 24 hours straight. It’s lightly scented, rich and creamy for a luxurious experience.

3. Dove Essential Nourishment Body Lotion

Give your skin the nutrients and essential oils it deserves with long-lasting softness. Dermatologically tested, it gets rid of dryness. This is the best body lotion for dry skin that removes flaky skin within minutes of application. It rehydrates, deep-conditions and repairs the deepest layer of skin to revitalise and generate natural moisture.

4. Palmer's Cocoa Butter Formula Moisturizing Lotion With Vitamin E

If you are a fan of thick, buttery body lotions, this moisturising body lotion for very dry skin is your best bet. Enriched with pure Cocoa Butter, Vitamin E and other rich emollients, it provides just the right amount of moisture, leaving your skin soft and smooth; not to forget the rich cocoa smell that lingers on for hours. Massage a little into your driest spots, like the knees and ankles, curl up under your covers, and wake up to softer skin. It's like magic.

5. Ponds Triple Vitamin Moisturizing Lotion

This dual-action cream lightens skin while hydrating it. Full of vitamins such as B3, E and C, the non-greasy formula doesn’t feel oily or heavy. Also loaded with SPF20, it clears dark spots, reduces damage from sun exposure, and brightens the face while creating an even base.

6. Mamaearth Honey Malai Cold Cream With Honey & Malai

Get three times the benefits with this cold cream, namely nourishment, moisturisation and smoothness from a single jar. This body lotion for dry skin restores the skin’s original suppleness, leaving it in a velvety soft veil of hydration. Combined with rich healing ingredients, a little goes a long way.

7. Biotique Bio Morning Nectar Visibly Flawless Skin Moisturizer

This 3-in-1 formula of honey, aloe vera and fenugreek seeds replenishes the skin's moisture while toning it. Packed with the goodness of wheatgerm and seaweed, it protects your skin from dryness, flaky residue and undue pigmentation. The perfect replacement of chemicals, this au naturale product also helps you get an even skin tone.

8. The Body Shop Almond Milk & Honey Calming & Protecting Hand Cream

Enriched with the humectant Honey and creamy Almond Milk protein, this moisturising body lotion provides deep hydration for up to 30 hours. Its pleasantly aromatic fragrance leaves you feeling fresh all day while leaving skin feeling smooth, supple and extra-conditioned.

Parting Thoughts

We hope this article is going to make you a body lotion enthusiast, not just for the hydration but for the velvety smooth feeling it leaves your skin with. Read more about the complete skin care routine for dry skin: The Best Skincare Regimen For Dry Skin.

FAQs on Body Lotions for Flaky Skin

1. How often should I apply body lotion for flaky skin?

   If you have flaky skin, ideally, you should apply body lotion twice, once in the morning after your shower, so your skin can lock in the moisture, and the second time, should be before you go to bed, so your skin can stay hydrated all night long.

2. Can body lotions treat underlying skin conditions like eczema?

   Fragrance-free, alcohol-free, and lightweight body lotions can help with eczema, as they can calm and soothe the skin. You can moisturise your skin regularly, or use it at least 2-3 times a day to reduce the inflammation and itchiness. If the eczema flare-ups worsen, consult a doctor before applying over-the-counter products.

3. Are fragranced lotions bad for flaky skin?

   Yes, fragranced lotions are bad for the skin, because sometimes sensitive skin can get an allergic reaction to the compounds that offer the aroma. They can irritate the skin barrier and further dry the skin under certain circumstances.

4. Should I exfoliate before using body lotion on flaky skin?

   Yes, you can exfoliate flaky skin before applying lotion for the product to better get absorbed into the skin. But tread lightly, overexfoliation can dry out the skin and make the skin feel irritated. Exfoliate 1-2 a week for a healthy balance.

5. What time of year is flaky skin most common?

   During monsoons and winters, the atmosphere is super wet and misty and dry and cold, respectively, which leads your skin to get flakier than usual. It’s the colder months that need the most hydration. Spring and summer are comparatively warmer and more humid, making the need to rehydrate infrequent, so, using a body lotion once after the shower ideal ideal.