Dermatologists Say These 8 Body Washes Are Best for Dry, Itchy Winter Skin ...Saudi Arabia

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If your skin feels tight and itchy the moment you step out of the shower, or if you're constantly battling flaky patches and rough texture despite slathering on body lotion, your body wash might be the problem. Winter doesn't just make dry skin worse—it exposes the fundamental issue: a compromised skin barrier that can't hold onto moisture the way it should. And when your cleanser strips away the lipids and oils that your skin desperately needs to protect itself, you're starting every single day behind. And nobody wants that!Here's what most people don't realize: body wash isn't just soap. I know, it’s a surprise! It's the first step in your skincare routine, and when you're dealing with especially dry skin, the wrong formula can undo even the most expensive moisturizers you apply afterward. The right body wash doesn't just clean—it actively supports your skin barrier, replenishes lost lipids and calms inflammation while you're still in the shower. (The more you know!)The good news? Dermatologists who treat chronic dryness and barrier dysfunction have identified specific formulas that cleanse without compromising already-struggling skin. We consulted board-certified dermatologists and dermatology specialists to find out which drugstore body washes actually deliver on their promises. Here are their top picks for soothing skin while actively strengthening your barrier.Related: 9 Best Mature Beauty Gifts for Valentine’s Day From Our 49-Year-Old Beauty Editor

Best Hydrating:Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Body WashBest for Very Dry Skin:Avene XeraCalm NUTRITION Shower CreamBest Fragrance-Free:Dove Soothing Relief Body WashBest Creamy:Eucerin Eczema Relief Body WashBest for Eczema-Prone Skin:Exederm Eczema WashBest for Keratosis Pilaris:Naturium The Smoother Glycolic Acid Exfoliating Body WashBest Gentle Formula:Naturium The Calmer Ceramide Body WashBest Foaming:La Roche-Posay Lipikar AP+ Gentle Foaming Moisturizing Wash

What Is Considered 'Dry Skin,' Exactly?

Dry skin isn't just skin that feels tight after a shower; it's skin that's lost its ability to protect itself.Dr. Thomas Stringer, dermatologist at MedStar Washington Hospital Center, offers a clinical definition. "Dry skin, also known as xerosis, is one of the most common problems I see in my practice," he says. "I would define dry skin as rough, cracked, scaly or tight-feeling skin which is not inflamed. It can also be itchy, though not always."

He explains that one of skin's main functions is regulating the body's temperature, fluid balance and electrolytes, and when this delicate balance tips the wrong way, dry skin results.Dr. Carmen Castilla, Manhattan-based board-certified dermatologist, describes the underlying issue as a weakened skin barrier. The skin barrier is meant to seal hydration in and keep irritants out, she explains. When that barrier isn't doing its job, moisture escapes more easily, leaving skin feeling tight, rough and flaky.

Dr. Melanie Palm, board-certified dermatologist at Art of Skin MD, says dry skin is "not just about feeling tight or flaky—it reflects a breakdown in the skin's outermost layer, the stratum corneum, which normally locks in moisture and protects against environmental stressors," she says. When that barrier is compromised, water escapes more easily, leading to rough texture, dullness, irritation, itching and in more severe cases, cracking or inflammation.The bottom line? Dry skin signals barrier dysfunction, not just a need for more lotion.Related:11 Best Skin-Tightening Moisturizers, According to Celebrity Derms

The short answer is no, but it can be effectively managed long-term with the right approach.Dr. Palm prefers to say that dry skin can be well-managed rather than permanently cured. "Think of dry skin as a tendency rather than a flaw," she explains. Some people naturally produce less oil, and as we age, our skin's ability to generate ceramides and retain moisture declines. Environmental exposure and lifestyle habits also play a major role. "The goal is to support and repair the skin barrier long-term, not just temporarily hydrate it," she says.

Dr. Castilla explains that whether dry skin improves depends on the underlying cause. Some people unintentionally cause dryness by using harsh skincare products, over-exfoliating or washing too frequently, and in these cases, changing your daily routine can restore the skin barrier and effectively resolve the dryness. For others, dry skin is due to genetics and a naturally weaker skin barrier. "In these situations, dry skin does not go away entirely," she notes. "However, with the right daily skincare routine focused on gentle cleansing, consistent moisturizing, and barrier repair, it can be well managed."

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8 Best Body Washes, According to Dermatologists

Best Hydrating: Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Body Wash, $12.50

Amazon

Dr. Jodi LoGerfo from Orentreich Medical Group's dermatology practice specifically recommends this as a great everyday product to help lock in moisture and soothe dry skin after showering. The formula combines colloidal oatmeal—a powerhouse anti-inflammatory ingredient—with gentle cleansers that won't strip your skin's natural oils. It's particularly effective for daily use because it maintains that delicate balance between thorough cleansing and moisture retention. The creamy lather rinses clean without leaving residue, making it perfect for those who want hydration without heaviness.

Related: The 10 Best Makeup and Skincare Gifts for Women Over 50 From Our 49-Year-Old Beauty Editor

Best for Very Dry Skin: Avene XeraCalm NUTRITION Shower Cream, $16

Avene

Dr. Castilla chose this specifically for very dry skin that needs serious barrier support. The lipid-replenishing formula is designed for severely dry and eczema-prone skin, combining Avène's signature thermal spring water with I-modulia, a postbiotic ingredient that helps rebalance the skin's microbiome and reduce reactivity. The rich, soap-free formula cleanses without any tightness or irritation, and it's gentle enough for the most sensitive skin. Use it when your skin feels uncomfortably dry or during harsh winter months when your barrier needs extra support.

Best Fragrance-Free: Dove Soothing Relief Body Wash, $10

Amazon

Dr. Castilla recommends this for those whose skin reacts to added fragrances. The hypoallergenic formula is completely fragrance-free and combines gentle cleansers with moisturizing cream to prevent the tight, stripped feeling that traditional body washes leave behind. Dr. Stringer emphasizes the importance of fragrance-free products for dry skin, noting that "fragrance can often sensitize the skin barrier and compound any problems with moisture retention." This formula delivers on Dove's signature moisturizing benefits without any potential irritants.

Best Creamy: Eucerin Eczema Relief Body Wash, $15

Amazon

Dr. Castilla calls this the best creamy formula for sensitive, eczema-prone skin. The rich, creamy texture feels incredibly comforting on dry, irritated skin while the gentle formula cleanses without disrupting an already-compromised barrier. It's formulated with colloidal oatmeal to soothe itching and irritation, and it's soap-free and fragrance-free to minimize any potential for reactions. The National Eczema Association has awarded it their Seal of Acceptance, which Dr. Stringer notes is "a useful way to screen for gentle, effective products" that have been evaluated by allergists and dermatologists.

Best for Eczema-Prone Skin: Exederm Eczema Wash, $12

Amazon

Dr. Castilla specifically chose this for sensitive, eczema-prone skin that needs extra-gentle cleansing. The formula is designed to cleanse without triggering flares, combining soothing ingredients with a barrier-supportive base that won't strip or irritate reactive skin. It's particularly helpful during eczema flares when even gentle cleansers can cause discomfort. The soap-free, fragrance-free formula minimizes the risk of irritation while still providing thorough cleansing that removes impurities without compromising the skin's delicate balance.

Best for Keratosis Pilaris: Naturium The Smoother Glycolic Acid Exfoliating Body Wash, $17

Amazon

Dr. LoGerfo recommends this specifically for keratosis pilaris, the condition that causes rough, bumpy "chicken skin" texture on arms and legs. The formula blends alpha hydroxy acids like glycolic acid to exfoliate and smooth skin while red algae provides hydration to prevent over-drying. Dr. Stringer notes that for excess scaly layers of dry skin or keratosis pilaris, chemical exfoliants can work very well, though he cautions that they're not ideal for everyone with very sensitive skin. This formula strikes a good balance between effective exfoliation and barrier support.

Best Gentle Formula: Naturium The Calmer Ceramide Body Wash, $17

Amazon

Dr. LoGerfo describes this as super silky and very comforting and calming. The formula is built around ceramides—the lipid molecules that Dr. Stringer identifies as having "an important role in the skin barrier" and that can "help bolster compromised skin barrier function." Combined with soothing centella asiatica and niacinamide to calm inflammation, this gentle cleanser actively supports barrier repair while cleansing. The creamy, non-stripping texture makes it ideal for reactive skin that needs extra care.

Best Foaming: La Roche-Posay Lipikar AP+ Gentle Foaming Moisturizing Wash, $14

Amazon

Dr. LoGerfo chose this as an excellent everyday cleanser for dry, sensitive and eczema-prone skin. Despite being a foaming formula, it has lots of creamy, moisturizing foam that's comforting and cleansing without any stripping. It's accepted by the National Eczema Association and is even safe for babies, which speaks to its gentle formulation. The formula combines niacinamide with shea butter and La Roche-Posay's prebiotic thermal water to soothe and restore comfort while still delivering the satisfying lather many people prefer in a body wash.

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