The key to managing dry, flaky skin is using products that will nourish, moisturize, and strengthen it—and finding options that work doesn’t have to cost that much. According to Heather Woolery-Lloyd, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Miami, Florida, you can do it for under $10. “I believe in affordable skin care—you don’t have to spend a ton of money if you don’t want to,” she says. Amazing news, indeed.
Dry skin is an indication that your skin barrier is weakened or compromised, and therefore not functioning optimally. “When we’re drying out that skin barrier, we’re more likely to have those little microscopic breaks in the skin barrier. So it’s less effective in terms of preventing infection. That’s why sometimes we can get superficial infections from really dry skin,” says Ivy Lee, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Pasadena, California. “A lot of people will call it winter itch, we call it asteatotic dermatitis. And this is a type of eczema that results from dryness. I see this very often this time of year on the lower leg and sometimes on the back.”
To deal with it, you’ll want to craft a routine that fortifies the barrier to calm existing dryness and prevent future flare-ups. “Dry and flaky skin can be really itchy so you want to stop that process before it gets worse,” says Dr. Woolery-Lloyd. Below, shop the four dry skin products under $10 that she’ll never stop recommending (bonus: the entire routine only costs $35).
4 dry skin products under $10
“Dove Sensitive Skin body wash offers gentle cleansing and won’t disrupt the skin barrier,” says Dr. Woolery-Lloyd. It’s hypoallergenic, super hydrating, and made with Dove’s Microbiome Nutrient Serum to help strengthen the skin’s natural moisture barrier.
“For hydration and moisture, CeraVe Moisturizing Cream is an extremely affordable option,” says Dr. Woolery-Lloyd. “It contains ceramides and hyaluronic acid to help to restore the barrier.”
Dr. Woolery-Lloyd is also a big fan of this face wash from Simple. It’s soap-free, allowing it to cleanse skin without stripping. There also isn’t any fragrance, dye, or drying alcohol, making it wonderful for sensitive skin.
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“For deep moisture, Ponds Dry Skin Cream is ideal for people who want rich hydration at a great price,” says Dr. Woolery-Lloyd. It’s made with glycerin, which leaves skin moisturized and buttery soft. Keep in mind that this cream does have a light fragrance. If you prefer, you can grab the fragrance-free version ($9).
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