Dry Skin and the Skin Barrier
What dry skin and the skin barrier mean, why skin dries or stings, what moisturizer trials show about ceramides and glycerin, and when dry skin needs a clinician.
Content last updated . This page has not been medically reviewed.
What this page covers
Dry skin feels tight, rough or flaky and can itch. The "skin barrier" is the skin's outer protective layer, which helps hold moisture in. When the barrier is disrupted, skin can lose moisture, become dry and inflamed. [1] This page explains the idea in plain terms and what moisturizer research actually shows. Evidence labels used here: established recommendation, promising but limited, mixed, insufficient evidence.Why skin gets dry or irritated
Everyday soaps, shampoos and shower gels usually dry out skin. [2] In eczema, researchers report that changes in the protective layer let moisture escape, and that fragrances and other compounds in skin products and soaps, tobacco smoke, some air pollutants and already very dry skin may contribute. [1] Dry, cracked skin is also a way in for bacteria, which is one reason cellulitis advice includes keeping skin well moisturized. [3]Persistent dryness with a rash, intense itching, or patches that do not settle may be eczema, psoriasis or contact dermatitis rather than simple dryness. See Itchy, red and sensitive skin.
What helps: moisturizers (emollients)
The NHS describes emollients as moisturizing treatments that coat skin to trap in moisture, with different forms for different needs: lotions are thin and not very moisturizing, creams are less greasy and absorbed quickly, and ointments are thick, greasy and very moisturizing, suited to very dry, thickened skin. [2] It advises applying right after washing or bathing, once you have patted dry. [2]What moisturizer research shows
| Question | What the source found | Strength of evidence |
|---|---|---|
| Do moisturizers help eczema? | In a Cochrane review of 77 trials, moisturizer use gave fewer flares than no moisturizer and a longer time to flare. [4] | Promising but limited (low-quality evidence for these outcomes) |
| Do glycerin- or urea-containing creams help? | The same review reported more people noticing improvement with glycerol and with urea creams versus vehicle, but more adverse events with urea. [4] | Limited, specific products in specific trials |
| Are ceramide moisturizers better? | A meta-analysis of 5 articles found ceramide moisturizers improved a clinical eczema score (SCORAD) more than other moisturizers, but water-loss measures did not differ significantly. [5] | Mixed, small evidence base |
Ceramides are fats that are part of the outer skin layer. [5] The studies above are in people with eczema, so do not assume the same results for ordinary dry skin.
Fixed oils and barrier care
Plant oils are sometimes used on dry skin. For product-level detail and cautions see Skin moisturizing and barrier care, Coconut oil and Colloidal oatmeal. One small pediatric trial found virgin coconut oil reduced eczema scores more than mineral oil, which is a single trial in children with eczema and not proof for adults or other conditions. [6]When to get help
See a clinician if dry skin is cracked, weeping, crusted or painful, if it does not improve with regular moisturizing, or if you notice hot, swollen, red skin. Signs of infection can need urgent treatment. [3] See Skin and hair safety and Eczema.Frequently asked questions
What is the skin barrier?
It is the protective outer layer of the skin that helps control moisture. NIAMS describes changes in this layer as letting moisture escape in atopic dermatitis. [1]
Does "repairing the skin barrier" have a proven product?
Trials mostly study people with eczema. A Cochrane review found some moisturizers reduce flares, with low-quality evidence for several outcomes. [4]
When should I use an ointment instead of a cream?
The NHS says ointments suit very dry, thickened skin and night-time use, while creams suit daytime. [2]
References
- NIAMS, Atopic dermatitis Read 2026-10-22.
- NHS, Emollients Read 2026-10-22.
- NHS, Cellulitis Read 2026-10-22.
- Emollients and moisturisers for eczema. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2017. Read 2026-10-22.
- The efficacy of moisturisers containing ceramide compared with other moisturisers in the management of atopic dermatitis: a systematic literature review and meta-analysis. Indian J Dermatol 2023. Read 2026-10-22.
- The effect of topical virgin coconut oil on SCORAD index, transepidermal water loss, and skin capacitance in mild to moderate pediatric atopic dermatitis. Int J Dermatol 2014. Read 2026-10-22.