Dry skin - good vs. bad moisturizers?

When I went to get a massage last week, the girl confirmed what I already knew - that I have extremely dry skin, particularly on my arms and legs.

She recommended that I exfoliate regularly, and that I buy a professional moisturizer. She cautioned me from buying the typical drug-store moisturizers, because according to her, they are filled with cheap synthetics and such which end up drying your skin out even more, and not really helping the problem.

My question is to anyone who specializes in dermatology and skin conditions... is she right, or is she just trying to upsell me the more expensive lotions? If I bought your regular Jergins kind of moisturizer, is it really not as good as if I bought an expensive salon-quality kind? Is she just trying to make a sale, or is it true?

Thanks :)

I think that she's trying to make a sale. I think there's more truth to the fact that more companies overcharge for ingredients that are present in miniscule amounts in creams, or ingredients that either have no benefit or cause irritation. The best things to look for in a moisturizer is fragrance free (not unscented, which can mean more chemicals used to mask a fragrance), and determining which texture of moisturizer is pleasing to you. Two of the best moisturizers, often recommended by dermatologists and used in hospital, are Complex 15 and Keri Lotion (original or fast absorbing). The application is when your skin is slightly damp, after a warm (not too hot) bath or shower. That way the moisturizer can also force that water to absorb into the skin, and prevent moisture in the skin from evaporating too much.

I'm not a dermatologist or any kind of expert but my family and I do experience very dry skin espeically during the winter months, I recently purchased the Gold bond lotion in the white bottle, it works great! Its not too expensive at walmart and there are ususally coupons in the sunday paper. As far as the quality of the lotions, she is right, check the ingredients list, usually cheap lotion has water or alcohol in the top ingredients and that dries your skin out, you need to look for emolients like shea butter, or aloe vera. Good Luck!

The use of moisturizers responds well to DRY SKIN problems with aid of some self-care measures like avoiding long, hot showers and baths. Having very dry and scaly skin, your doctor may recommend you use an all-natural cream that contains natural oils that gives soothing and glowing results.

In a more serious skin disease, such as ichthyosis or psoriasis, your doctor may prescribe prescription creams and ointments or other treatments in addition to home care.

Dry skin leads to dermatitis, which causes red, itchy skin. In these cases, treatment may include lotions with natural-oil ingredients. If your skin cracks open, your doctor may prescribe wet dressings with mildly astringent properties to contract your skin and reduce secretions and prevent infection.

I believe http://www.skinsosilky.com/ will help you best for more advices, ideas and best treatments for any skin problem like dry skin.