With a plethora of choices for face moisturisers, serums, cleansers, miracle eye dust, it's no wonder our scaly elbows find themselves feeling a little neglected sometimes.
In the elusive quest for soft, supple skin, body moisturisers are here to save our elbows, shins and hands from turning into the Sahara desert. So what should you look out for when choosing the best body moisturiser for your skin?
We peel back the layers on the best body moisturisers for dry skin and why it’s important to care for the skin on your body (and not give in to the temptation to just cover with long sleeves and jeans).
The benefits of moisturising your body
It may come as no surprise that the skin on your body is thicker and contains more layers than the skin on your face. This is why it can withstand a little more wear and tear than the skin on the back of your eyelids. In fact, the skin on your hands and feet have a whole extra layer that gives them a little extra protection!
Because of this, the skin on the body needs and can handle a little more intense hydration than the face. Look for moisturisers with deep, nourishing ingredients such as;
- Oils like jojoba, macadamia, olive, camellia, hemp, rosehip, avocado, almond, sunflower and coconut all contain fatty acids known for their richness in omegas and emollient (aka hydrating) properties.
- Butters like cocoa, shea and coconut: these are plant butters also rich in lipids that deliver nutrients to the skin but also provide a barrier to reduce natural moisture loss in the skin.
- Nourishing botanicals and herbal extracts like aloe vera, calendula, oats, Kakadu plum, Gotu kola and turmeric all add nutrients to the skin, which helps to create a strong skin barrier.
How often should you moisturise body
You may already know that the skin renews around every 30 days, with the skin on the body taking slightly longer when compared to the face. As we age, this process slows down even further, as the dead skin cells move up to the surface of the skin. Exfoliating weekly, helps to remove these skin cells and encourages new cells to grow.
When it comes to moisturising, this is entirely up to you and your busy morning and evening schedule. Nourishing dry skin with a moisturiser can be performed daily, or a few times a week to help keep your skin stay soft and supple!
But not only that, avoid drying out your skin with hot showers and baths as this can actually dry out the skin even further! Instead opt for warm, or lukewarm water, as this will help reduce the amount of moisture lost through your skin.
And don’t forget to slip slop slap that SPF! Protecting your skin from UVB and UVA rays will help to prevent your skin from drying out.
So what exactly is the best body moisturiser for dry skin? We have handpicked our top nourishing creams, balms, lotions and oils for your personal hydrating needs.
Best body moisturisers for super dry skin
Weleda Skin Food for Very Dry Skin It’s a rich, caring, thick cream for extra dry skin. With a deep nourishing blend of plant oils, lanolin, and beeswax with skin-calming extracts of pansy, chamomile, and calendula your elbows, knees and heels will thank you. Or if you love skin food but need a lighter touch? Weleda Skin Food Light was invented just for you!
Juniper Skincare Tropical Outdoor Body Moisturiser is a naturopath formulated, certified organic moisturiser. With no harsh preservatives and natural ingredients it delivers deep nourishment while keeping the summertime vibes high all year round with sweet aromas of lemongrass and citrus.
MooGoo Full Cream Moisturiser is a nourishing all in one cream for the whole body and whole family. Formulated with milk proteins for extra soothing properties, this moisturiser is a one stop shop. Or if your skin is a little more sensitive MooGoo’s Soothing MSM Moisturiser might be the perfect choice.
Body butters
If you are searching for pure single ingredient products that get the most bang for your dry skin the Everybit Organic Raw Shea Butter or Noosa Basics Ultra Rich Skin Cream Cocoa Butter give your skin super hydrating deep care.
Like Weled’s skin food but looking for more of a rich whipped texture? Weleda Skin Food Body Butter ensures easy absorption into the skin, while the combination of rosemary, chamomile and calendula extracts help to soothe and moisturise the skin, leaving it feeling soft and supple. Added sweet orange and lavender provide a naturally beautiful scent. The perfect body butter for the whole body and great for elbows, legs and arms.
Body oils
Head’s up, it’s Pronounced “Ho-Ho-Ba” The Jojoba Company Organic Jojoba Oil For Body is nourishing from head to toe (literally), Jojoba oil is an essential staple. With rich vitamin and omega properties, no harsh scent, and long shelf life, the benefits go beyond skin deep.
Looking for a pregnancy safe oil for your belly and beyond?Juniper Skincare Nurturing Body Oil
Is specifically formulated to be used during pregnancy or for those with stretch marks. This light citrus scented oil containing only certified organic ingredients, is high in oleic and linoleic acids, as well as essential vitamins and minerals that can assist in keeping the skin toned and supple.
Balms
In need of a breastfeeding saviour? Gaia Skin + Body Pregnancy Nipple Balm is made from organic sunflower oil, organic avocado oil, organic jojoba oil and organic calendula oil and is completely free from lanolin, petrochemicals, and mineral oil. Beautiful deep nourishment for cracks and tares.
Endota Protecting Barrier Balm is an all rounder barrier for sensitive skin, while strengthening and hydrating with this ultra-soothing, organic barrier balm. Enriched with an abundance of natural ingredients to protect your skin from irritation.
Ever heard of water-less moisurisers? Look no further than Woohoo Body Bestie Solid Body Moisturiser For Dry Skin & Tattoo Care. These bars may look like a bar of soap but they're not - they're actually waterless moisturisers! These body bars are a delicious mix of plant oils and butters to leave your skin soft, nourished, and deeply moisturised from tip to toe. They’re fabulous for revitalising tattoo colours and smell aaah-mazing.
2-in-one hand and body
Allow the fresh accents of Koala Eco Hand & Body Lotion Rosalina & Peppermint calm your senses while they soothe and nourish your skin. Kind to the environment, Koala Eco has a strong focus on the planet with their products boasting of plant-based, never tested on animals, grey water and septic safe.
Retreatment Botanics Wild Kakadu Hand & Body Cream is a nurturing cream that hydrates and nourishes, leaving your skin soft and silky. It soaks into the hands and skin beautifully, locking in the moisture without a greasy residue. With vitamin C rich Kakadu Plum, Macadamia oil, Cacao and Shea butter, to deeply hydrate and provide key nutrients to the skin.
Nourish and hydrate skin with organic jojoba, coconut, hemp and avocado oils in the Dr Bronner's Organic Hand & Body Lotion Patchouli Lime to keep your skin smooth and supple. Good for most skin types, sensitive-dry-rough-or combination. Dr Bronners use only organic essential oils for fragrance, so breathe deeply!
Baby and kids safe
Eco.bub Organics Nju:bie Lush Lotion Body Moisturiser is certified organic, ultra-pure, preservative-free with advanced prebiotic technology. Derived from 100% natural plant essences and nothing else. (Talk about deluxe!) This lightweight ultra-soothing cream glides on effortlessly to support your little one’s sensitive skin and rebalance the skin’s natural pH. Food-grade and safe for babies from birth. Ultra-soothing and richly hydratining, it calms and nourishes all skin types.
Designed with you and your baby’s delicate skin in mind, MooGoo Baby Soothing Moisturiser Nut and Oil Free, contains no dairy or nuts so you can soothe troubled skin without worrying about any irritation. Enriched with natural oils like evening primrose oil and olive squalane, this moisturiser helps hydrate and nourish from head to toe, all in a lightweight formula that easily sinks into the skin.
A mild and light milk with caring organic almond and sesame oils and soothing extracts of organic calendula and chamomile. Weleda Calendula Body Lotion is enriched with perfectly compatible lipids in a lotion which supports newly developing skin. A delicate fragrance is especially meant for babies and infants, it’s also free from synthetic preservatives, fragrances, colourants, or raw materials derived from mineral oils.
HealthylifePharmacy
HealthylifePharmacy
