There’s nothing as frustrating as waking up at 3 a.m. with itchy skin! I’ve suffered with dehydrated, itchy skin for as long as I can remember and have tried dozens of products over the years, trying to find what really helps.
Dry skin can feel like a constant battle, especially if you’re like me and don’t want to spend $50 on a single fancy lotion. But with a little trial and error, I’ve found an easy, affordable dry skin routine that keeps my eczema under control!
Here’s everything I do, step by step, along with some bonus tips I’ve learned along the way!
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My Nightly Dry Skin Routine
Step 1: Start Damp for Maximum Hydration
The biggest game-changer for me has been applying my lotions while my skin is still damp from the shower. I always make sure to do this because it helps seal in moisture so much better and makes all my products work harder. Think of it like trapping all that steam and water in your skin—it just feels so much more hydrating.
Step 2: Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Formula
This Palmer’s Cocoa Butter is my first layer, and I swear by it. Since it’s cocoa butter, it literally melts into your skin and it’s a great base, I always scoop some into my palm and rub it between my hands to warm it up. This makes it easier to rub into my skin, especially on drier areas like elbows and legs.
Plus, it smells amazing, you can use it as a lip balm and it helps with hyperpigmentation, which has been a bonus for me.
Step 3: Choose One Cream – Gold Bond Overnight OR Aveeno Skin Relief
I just pick whichever I’m feeling that day…usually whatever bottle is closer to me at the moment, lol! They both work great, but they do feel a bit different.
➡️ The Aveeno Skin Relief Moisturizing Lotion is a little lighter and soaks in quickly. I love using this one on days when my skin doesn’t feel as rough or when I want something that feels gentle and calming.
➡️ The Gold Bond Overnight Deep Moisturizing Lotion is super thick and creamy, which is exactly what my skin loves when it’s really parched or feeling extra itchy.
One thing I learned the hard way: if I try to layer both of them, it pills up and gets really weird. So I stick to one or the other, and it works perfectly.
Step 4: Seal in Moisture with Johnson’s Baby Oil Gel
Finally, I lock everything in all the moisture with Johnson’s Baby Oil Gel. I love it because it’s less messy than regular baby oil and doesn’t get all over my sheets or clothes. It glides on super easily and leaves my skin feeling soft and nourished, not greasy.
Tips for Dealing with Dry, Itchy Skin
Beyond what you put on your skin, a few extra tweaks can make a big difference. Here are some tips that have helped me along the way:
1. Lower the Shower Temp
A dermatologist told me that my super hot showers were making my skin even drier. She said to keep the water at a temperature a baby could tolerate. I’ll be real: I love my hot showers too much to always follow this, but I wanted to pass on the tip. The hot water strips your skin’s natural oils, so even lowering it a little bit can make a difference.
2. Barely Dry Off
When I’m done with my shower, I just wrap the towel around myself without drying all the water off my body. I want my skin to still be damp when I lotion.
3. Use a Humidifier
Especially during the colder months or in dry climates, a humidifier can be a lifesaver. Adding some moisture back into the air keeps your skin from getting so parched overnight.
4. Stay Hydrated
This one’s simple but so important: drink enough water! I always notice my skin looks and feels better when I’m hydrated.
5. Skip Harsh Soaps
Some soaps and body washes can strip your skin and make dryness worse. I like using Dove as a gentle option!
Final Thoughts
If you’re like me and struggling with dry, itchy skin, I hope this little routine and these tips give you some relief. I’m all about finding affordable ways to feel comfortable and confident in my skin—because skincare shouldn’t have to be expensive!
All four of these products are under $20, easy to find, and they really work. I’m always curious to hear what works for others too, so if you have a favorite dry skin product that doesn’t cost a fortune, drop a comment! I love discovering new budget-friendly skincare gems.
