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Are there any over-the-counter treatments for dry skin?

Dry skin is a common condition in which loss of water causes skin to become itchy, irritated, or cracked. Over-the-counter products are by far the most common moisturizing treatments for dry skin.

Humectants and emollients are ingredients that are important in relieving dry skin and can be very successful when used together. Humectants draw water from the body into the skin, replacing water that's been lost. Emollients help protect the skin by keeping water from escaping too quickly. These products are available as ointments, creams, and lotions. Examples include Aqua Care therapeutic lotion, Eucerin lotion, Cetaphil, and Neutrogena lotion. Ointments and creams generally have a higher amount of the emollient than lotions, but are less popular because they can feel greasy.

Products such as >Carmol 20 and Eucerin with alpha hydroxy acids contain a humectant, an emollient and urea or alpha hydroxy acids to remove rough, dry skin that has built up over time.

Sources:
Mayo Clinic Family Health Book. William Morrow & Co., 1996.
The Merck Manual of Medical Information: Home Edition. Merck & Co., 1997.
Swartzberg, J.E., S. Margen. The UC Berkeley Wellness Self-Care Handbook. Rebus, Inc., 1998.
Handbook of Nonprescription Drugs. American Pharmaceutical Association, 2000.
Diseases and Conditions, “Dry Skin”. www.mayoclinic.com. Mayo Clinic Health. Last accessed 12/2006.

This answer prepared 7/24/2001.
This information updated 12/13/2006.