A wide variety of moisturizing lotions and creams are on the market currently. Some creams are used when the skin is exceptionally dry. These creams can be applied on the wet body after bath and help retain the moisture in the body. Some creams can be applied after drying the body but immediately after taking a bath. These creams retain the remaining moisture in the body and do not allow it to escape soon after the bath.

Body oils can be used when chemical soaps dry the skin further. Body oil can be applied on the wet skin so the moisture is trapped and the skin does not dry too much.

Body lotions and creams can be either oil-based or water-based. Oil-based lotions can be used on parched or overtly dry skin. They help the body retain the lost oils and provide sufficient soothing for the irritation and itching. Creams and lotions that have a base of sunflower or other oils, can also be used in such cases. The thickness of the moisturizing cream depends on the water-oil ratio in the cream. However, it is important to understand that none of these creams or lotions has a long-lasting effect on the dry skin.

Most of the body lotions on the market these days claim to have vitamin E as one of the ingredients. This nourishes the skin and makes it soft and smooth. Water-based lotions used to soothe dry skin usually contain this vitamin base. Another important vitamin contained in most of these lotions is vitamin A. Sunscreen moisturizing lotions can be also used if the person gets exposed a lot to the sun.

Regular care needs to be taken to maintain a healthy glowing skin, especially if the skin has the tendency to be usually dry or flaky. The best remedy for dry skin is to take in an excess of water every day. This gives a healthy glow to the skin and helps the skin retain a sufficient amount of moisture through out the day. Lotions or creams have to be applied without fail to maintain a soft, smooth and healthy skin.