Why Is My Skin So Dry? 5 Causes, Fixes & the Best Ways to Bring Back Your Glow

Dry skin isn’t just about “not drinking enough water.” It’s usually a mix of environmental stressors, lifestyle factors, and how your moisture barrier is functioning. Here’s what’s going on behind the scenes:

1. Climate and seasonal changes

Cold weather, low humidity, and harsh winds pull moisture from the skin. Indoor heating can be just as drying, leaving your skin feeling tight and looking ashy.

2. Long, hot showers

Hot showers might feel good (especially in winter), but they’re one of the top triggers for rough, dehydrated skin on the body. Steaming hot showers strip your skin of its natural oils, which weakens your skin barrier.

3. Genetics and skin type

Some people naturally produce fewer oils. If dry skin runs in your family, you may need richer body lotions and heavier moisturizers to stay balanced.

4. Harsh cleansers and over-exfoliating

Strong soaps, high-foaming cleansers, and scrubbing too often can leave your skin feeling stripped instead of smooth.

5. Internal factors

Age, hormones, and certain health conditions can contribute to dryness, which leads us straight into another common question...

Dry skin can signal a weakened moisture barrier or a lack of key components like:

• Ceramides (lipids that help “seal in” moisture)
• Natural oils
• Essential fatty acids
• Humectants like hyaluronic acid that draw water into your skin

And while the right products can help rebuild that moisture, things like sleep, stress, and what you eat also play a role in how hydrated your skin feels.

Drinking water is great, but it won’t fix dry skin on its own. Your skin needs a healthy moisture barrier to actually hold onto that hydration. That’s where oils, emollients, and protective ingredients come in—they help keep all that moisture locked in.

Dry skin is totally manageable once you know what your skin needs. Here’s how to bring moisture back, and keep it.

1. Choose hydrating cleansing products

Gentle, non-stripping cleansing is essential for dry skin. Look for body washes with nourishing oils, oats, coconut, or shea-derived ingredients.

SheaMoisture Manuka Honey & Oatmeal Smooth & Exfoliating Body Wash is a great option. The creamy formula helps hydrate while the gentle exfoliating action smooths rough, dry patches. Use it a few times a week to lift away dull, flaky skin. Regular, mild exfoliation will help your lotions absorb better, leaving your skin softer and more conditioned over time.

2. Moisturize immediately after showering

Applying lotion on damp skin is one of the most effective ways to trap moisture. If you’ve been wondering, “What is the best lotion for dry skin?” look for formulas with:

• Shea butter
• Cocoa butter
• Glycerin
• Coconut oil
• Ceramides

SheaMoisture 100% Virgin Coconut Oil Daily Hydration Body Lotion blends coconut oil, shea butter, and aloe for long-lasting softness. It melts into damp skin beautifully, and is especially useful for combating tightness, ashiness, and overall dryness throughout the day.

3. Use shea butter

When it comes to shea butter benefits for skin, here are the top perks:

• Deep, lasting moisture
• Softens rough patches
• Helps nourish extra dry areas like elbows, knees and feet
• Supports the skin barrier

If you prefer something that’s easier to spread than pure shea, SheaMoisture Raw Shea Butter Hydrating Body Lotion offers that same nourishing feel in a smoother, daily-use formula.

4. Protect your barrier

Think of your moisture barrier as your skin’s protective armor. You want to strengthen it, not strip it. A gentle option like SheaMoisture African Black Soap Bar helps cleanse without leaving your skin tight or dry. It’s a simple swap that supports softness and keeps your barrier feeling balanced.

Your facial skin is more delicate than the rest of your body. To restore hydration:

• Use a gentle cleanser
• Avoid harsh scrubs
• Follow with hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid or aloe
• Seal it in with a rich moisturizer
• Apply sunscreen daily (yes, even on melanin-rich skin!)

Your body is exposed to temperature changes, fabric friction, and water loss daily. To restore smoothness:

• Switch to creamy, hydrating body washes
• Exfoliate 1–2 times a week with a gentle sugar scrub
• Apply body lotion or shea butter right after showering
• Use thicker creams on elbows, knees, and hands

Feet take a lot of pressure, so they often become extra dry. To fix it:

• Soak feet in warm (not hot) water
• Use a gentle foot scrub weekly
• Apply a thick butter or cream
• Wear cotton socks overnight to seal in moisture

If dryness comes with discoloration, peeling, itching, or cracking, you may have eczema or dermatitis. A dermatologist can help identify triggers and recommend treatments to support healing.

Dry skin is common, but manageable. Once you understand why your skin is so dry and what your skin barrier needs, it becomes much easier to restore hydration and maintain your natural radiance. With gentle cleansing, shea-butter-rich personal care products, and consistent moisturizing habits, you can keep your skin soft, strong, and beautifully nourished.