For dry to very dry skin, look for a body cream containing ceramides, glycerin, colloidal oatmeal or shea butter. CeraVe Moisturising Cream and Aveeno Moisturising Cream are consistently well-regarded by dermatologists and pharmacists for everyday use on dry skin. For very dry or eczema-prone skin, emollient creams such as Cetraben or QV Cream may be more suitable.
An emollient is a broad term for any moisturising treatment that soothes and hydrates dry skin. All emollient creams are body creams, but not all body creams are emollients. Emollient creams — such as Cetraben, Dermol and QV Cream — are specifically formulated for medical use on dry skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis and dermatitis. Dermol Cream can also be used as a soap substitute, making it particularly useful as part of a Complete Emollient Therapy routine. All are safe to use as often as needed throughout the day.
For most people with dry skin, applying a body cream once or twice daily — particularly after bathing — is enough to maintain comfortable hydration. Those using an emollient cream for a skin condition may need to apply it three to four times throughout the day. Apply to slightly damp skin for the best results, and be generous with the amount used.
Yes — many body creams are specifically formulated for sensitive skin. Look for products that are fragrance-free, hypoallergenic and dermatologist-tested. MooGoo Full Cream Moisturiser, Cetaphil Moisturising Cream and CeraVe Moisturising Cream are all well-suited to sensitive skin, as they use gentle ingredients that hydrate without triggering irritation.
Some body creams — particularly lighter formulas such as CeraVe Moisturising Cream, QV Cream and MooGoo Full Cream — are suitable for both face and body. However, very rich body creams may be too heavy for facial use and could block pores, particularly on combination or oily skin. If in doubt, use a dedicated facial moisturiser for the face and reserve your body cream for the body.
No — all of the emollient creams available on the Weldricks website, including Cetraben Cream, Dermol Cream and QV Cream, can be purchased over the counter without a prescription. If you are unsure which emollient is right for your skin condition, our pharmacy team is available to advise you.
