Addicted to...Soft Skin

It’s not winter anymore…so why are your legs still flaky and dry?

By Courtney Dunlop
Published: Apr 16, 2008

Sure, most people associate dry skin with winter, but there are women whose flakiness persists when the weather gets warm. Isn’t that fun? A couple of culprits could be to blame—perhaps your moisture balance has been thrown out of whack by springtime temperature fluctuations, maybe you’re over-washing with harsh soaps, or it’s possible you’re just naturally prone to dryness. Whatever the case, try these miracle workers on your newly liberated-from-sweaters-and-tights bod for soft skin all over.

Sorry to break it to you, but those frothy, fruity-smelling body washes are generally moisture-depleting—as that lather rinses away grime, so goes your natural hydration. Some ladies might find that a simple cleanser-switch is enough to keep alligator skin at bay. Gabriel Couzian Washing Oil is a genius product that moisturizes as you clean, thanks to ultra light olive oil and aloe vera. It can also be used in place of shaving cream, another moisture killer. The $45 price tag is steep, but if you just can’t shake the dry skin, it’s worth it.
Buy it at: gabrielcouzian-usa.com, $45

Here’s the hands-down best way to attack dry skin. After you get out of the shower, do not towel off. Instead, massage Kneipp body oil into your wet skin using long upward strokes. The oils magically sink in—with no residue—while trapping the moisture. You get a bonus aromatherapy benefit, and the massage boosts circulation, which helps strengthen your immune system. (Seriously—Kneipp has huge amounts of scientific research backing this up.) But the main point is your skin has never been softer.
Buy it at: kneippus.com, $24

This new lotion from dermatologist-fave Cetaphil was designed for people with extremely dry and irritated skin, but it’s awesome for anyone who hates reapplying lotion a million times a day. The hydration lasts up to 24 hours, the formula is light and sinks in with no leftover greasiness (which means you can put your jeans on right afterwards without them sticking to your legs!), and it’s fragrance-free so it won’t irritate sensitive skin. Basically, it’s the best lotion ever made.
**Sign up for Cetaphil’s interactive Skin Care Club for personalized advice and a discount coupon for Daily Advance Ultra Hydrating Lotion.
Buy it at: drugstore.com, $9.99

For the record, Jergens invented the whole “gradual self tanner” category, and word on the street is that theirs is still better than the copycats. But for some, “gradual” must take too long because now Jergens has a tanning moisturizer that works in three days. You get natural color without having to resort to a messy self-tanner, plus hydrating emollients smooth your skin and help the color look even.
Buy it at: drugstore.com, $7.99