Flaky skin is one of those issues men ignore at their own peril. Using the best lotion for dry skin for men, you can get ahead of the curve with a smooth complexion and a glow that won’t quit.
I’m not exactly sure what it is about body lotion that put me off for so long, but I know better now. Who would have guessed that a bit of moisturizer can prevent cracks in your skin and ashy elbows? Anybody, that’s who.
Our skin is the first line of defense against infections, rashes, and inflammations. And let’s face it, when someone’s skin looks as smooth as a baby’s bottom, people can’t help but notice. It takes a little bit more than just soap to get that effect, so if you haven’t joined the lotion club yet, now might be the time.
We at FashionBeans know a thing or two about lotions, so read on and find the dry skin lotion for men that’s perfect for you.
Key Takeaways
After scouring the internet high and low, I have to give the title of “best lotion for men with dry skin” to Bioderma Atoderm Intensive Balm. It’s quick to take effect, works wonders on other skin types, and is safe for wounded skin. All without putting a hole through your wallet, might I add.
NIVEA Shea Nourish Lotion is an amazing budget alternative. It’s rare for a product that costs so little to do so much for the softness of your skin. On the other end of the aisle, Revision Skincare BodiFirm adds thickness to your skin while providing it with healthy nourishment.
Why it’s great: It can be hard to pitch body lotion to men, especially those who don’t like smelling “fruity”. Luckily, the Bioderma Atoderm Intensive Balm comes with all the benefits you’d expect from the best lotion for dry skin for men, minus the scent. It’s also a great pick for tattooed guys – no colorants to irritate your wounds!
How it feels: To get the most of this bad boy, you should apply it after a shower, NOT during. Even beyond dryness, Bioderma can clear up oily skin, and it works wonders on your face and private parts too. Also, if you have itchy skin, consider it gone within a few days of regular use.
Flaws but not dealbreakers: Atoderm can be a bit sticky sometimes, especially if you dry off completely after a shower and put it on. Make it a point to rub this stuff thoroughly before stepping out of the bathroom.
Active Ingredients: Zinc | Size: 16.9 oz | Scent: Unscented
Why it’s great: You can’t really put a price on quality skincare, especially when it comes to the best lotion for dry skin for men. If you’re coming up on a cold, dry winter, this is the number one pick for keeping your body hydrated. Safe for all skin types too!
How it feels: It’s rare for a pharmaceutical brand to feel this good on the skin, but there you have it. Say goodbye to sagging, winter skin cracks, and other things that ruin an otherwise great Christmas photo. The idea with this one is that it keeps your skin clean yet firm – pretty remarkable feat, but it comes with the price tag!
Flaws but not dealbreakers: Compared to what our other picks offer, 3.8 ounces is definitely on the low side. Still, it’s important to remember that this is a seasonal product (not to mention a strong one), so you’ll only need a little bit of it every few days when it’s cold.
Active Ingredients: Glycerin | Size: 3.8 oz | Scent: Unscented
Why it’s great: When it comes to dry skin lotion for men and women alike, NIVEA is one of the undisputed kings. Their Shea Nourish lotion melts on your skin like butter, and the softening effect is incredible for how little you’re paying.
How it feels: Rich in plant-based ingredients, this lotion feels about as amazing as it smells. On top of leaving your skin smooth, you’d be surprised at how long the effect lasts. That means you can apply it every couple days and get more use out of it than most any other product in this category.
Flaws but not dealbreakers: NIVEA are known for their thick, pasty products, and this isn’t one of them. It may take some getting used to if you’ve tried their other lotions, but other than that, you’re golden.
Active Ingredients: Glycerin | Size: 16.9 oz | Scent: Shea butter
Why it’s great: If you know anything about face and body lotion, the name Brickell should ring a bell. On a personal note, peppermint and eucalyptus are two of my favorite scents, and I’d love it if more guys got on board. More importantly, the skin absorbs Brickell in an instant, so you don’t have to walk around all lathered and wait for it to go away.
How it feels: You have Vitamin E to help repair any surface damage, as well as a touch of shea butter that makes your skin silky to the touch. The real kicker is the jojoba, though, since it keeps your skin from shooting out any more water than it needs to.
Flaws but not dealbreakers: One problem with scented lotions is that it’s easy to get carried away and treat it as a fragrance. I know it smells great, but you have to exercise some caution and stick to its intended use.
Active Ingredients: Vitamin E | Size: 8 oz | Scent: Peppermint, eucalyptus, lemongrass
Why it’s great: Speaking of aromated products, Pharmacopia has some of the best lotion for dry skin for men. You can opt for the fruitier citrus one or go a bit more neutral with a mint and lemongrass mix. Better yet, grab yourself two bottles and get the best of both worlds!
How it feels: Despite what the name might have you believe, these Pharmacopia products are entirely vegan and organic. This ensures your skin won’t go from dry to irritated – in fact, it does a great job at locking in moisture for a good long while.
Flaws but not dealbreakers: Even when you consider it’s a hydration product above all else, I do wish the scent lingered just a little bit longer. On the bright side, since it’s so chemically pure, you can get around that by using it multiple times a day.
Active Ingredients: Lactic acid | Size: 16 oz | Scent: Citrus or verbena
Why it’s great: Gluten-free, cruelty-free, plant-based, and very effective. How could the Trilipiderm All-body Moisturizer get any better? I know: you can get two of these puppies for a very fair price. In some ways, it helps that it’s unscented since it’s so good at moisturizing – it does what it’s supposed to and doesn’t get in the way of your perfume.
How it feels: The cream gets absorbed pretty quickly, so don’t worry about having a cartoonish glow as you go about your day. It’s one of the few products out there that won’t stain your clothes and leave you feeling greasy jumping into bed.
Flaws but not dealbreakers: While I’d argue that even a single bottle is worth it, it’s definitely pricey without the two-for-one discount. That still doesn’t change the fact that it’s one of the most reliable moisturizers out there!
Active Ingredients: Abyssinian oil, squalane, meadowfoam seed oil, Omegas, Vitamin E | Size: 8 oz | Scent: Unscented
Why it’s great: Not to knock the importance of a healthy body, but the first thing people notice about you tends to be the face. Lumin’s Moisturizing Balm is perfect for those overly sunny months when your face just can’t seem to stop flaking and reddening.
How it feels: Do you tend to get cracks on your cheeks and forehead in the summer? Just apply some of this balm before going to bed, and you may be surprised at what you see in the mirror in the morning. As a bonus, it’s great for wrinkles, too!
Flaws but not dealbreakers: The list of ingredients on this product is quite long, so you may want to triple-check to make sure this is the balm for you.
Active Ingredients: Multiple | Size: 0.85 oz, 1.7 oz | Scent: Unscented
Buying Considerations for the Best Lotions For Dry Skin For Men
If you’re a rookie when it comes to lotion, there’s quite a bit to consider before typing in your credit card info. Here are some of the key things to keep in mind:
Ingredients
While mass-produced cosmetics are rigorously tested for safety, there’s no getting around the fact that allergies exist. As boring as it is to sift through an entire ingredient list, you should make sure there’s nothing in the product that’ll cause your skin to break out.
Size
Dry skin lotion meant to be used on your body will generally average 8 ounces a pack, with some exceptions. If you use it once or twice a day, that should give you at least two or three months of continuous use. Keep in mind that some lotions are smaller because they’re stronger, meaning they’re not meant for daily use.
Scent
Whether you want your lotion to be scented or not is more or less a matter of taste. If you use a lot of fragrances as it is, it may not be a good idea to combine it with scented lotion. Also, people with sensitive skin should probably stick to unscented to minimize the risk of irritation.
Gender
Just because a package of lotion says “for women”, it doesn’t mean that guys can’t use it. The main idea is to get a product that works best for your specific skin type. If you find that most male-targeting products irritate your skin or flat-out do nothing, try a female one instead.
Why you should trust us
We care a lot about skincare over at FashionBeans, and I’m no exception. As a seasoned cosmetics writer and an avid user of lotion, I went through every major moisturizer brand I could find to come up with this list. Ultimately, my research led me to the picks mentioned above, and I’m confident these are the 7 best lotions for dry skin for men.
Final Verdict
And that’s a wrap on the best lotion for dry skin for men. Bioderma Atoderm Intensive Balm wins out with its superior effectiveness, broad range of uses, and overall safety factor. The rest of our picks are no slouches either, though!
FAQ
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While this list features the very finest, what works for one person may not work for another. As a general rule, you want to look for products with jojoba oil or glycerin as they’re great for retaining moisture. Ultimately, brands like Bioderma are quite effective on top of being unscented, making them safe for sensitive skin.
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Moisturizers tend to be thicker than lotion, and they’re usually better for heavy-duty hydration (e.g. for people with eczema or acne). Trilipiderm is a great pick since it’s quick to absorb while still being very effective.
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