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Follow these practical steps to smooth rough texture, reduce dryness fast, and choose the right products to keep your skin hydrated and comfortable.
HYDRATE YOUR BODY FROM WITHIN
Dehydration can cause a dull, flaky or rough skin texture. Dehydration is when your body doesn’t have enough fluid to function well, which can lead to dry, tight skin. This lack of sufficient water makes the skin lose elasticity and you become more prone to dry skin patches on the body.
If you’re dealing with rough skin texture on your body and not sure how to improve it, did you know that drinking water is your best bet? Aim for around two liters daily unless otherwise directed by a doctor. Drinking enough water supports skin elasticity and helps reduce dryness from the inside out.
LIMIT SHOWER TIME AND USE LUKEWARM WATER
Hot showers may feel great, but they can worsen dry skin on the body by stripping away essential natural oils. Limiting showers to 5–10 minutes and using lukewarm water helps maintain your skin’s moisture barrier.¹ This simple change can make a big difference.
GENTLY EXFOLIATE TO REMOVE DEAD SKIN CELLS
Improving rough skin texture on the body starts with consistent, gentle exfoliation―one of the best ways to get rid of dry skin patches on the body. Exfoliation is the process of removing dead skin cells from the surface of the skin to reveal smoother, healthier skin underneath.
Exfoliate one to two times weekly to avoid irritation, especially if you have dry spots that feel sensitive or look flaky. Good exfoliation options include:
- Gentle scrubs made for men. Try Dove Men+Care Plant Powered Exfoliating Charcoal + Clove Oil Cleansing Bar.
- Lactic acid or urea-based exfoliants
- Silicone scrubbers for sensitive areas
- Dry brushing before a shower
If the rough texture on your skin is stubborn, exfoliating regularly helps smooth it and allows moisturizers to work better.
CHOOSE MOISTURIZING CLEANSERS FOR SENSITIVE SKIN
If you’ve ever wondered what the best men’s products for dry skin are, start with a hydrating cleanser that adds moisture rather than stripping it away. Harsh soaps can strip moisture and make dry skin patches on the body more sensitive and noticeable.
Look for a cleanser made with hydrating ingredients such as:
- Glycerin
- Ceramides
- Shea butter
- Plant oils
Avoid high-fragrance or deodorant soaps, which can worsen dry skin spots on the body.³ Try Dove Men+Care Body and Face Bars which are moisturizing instead.
APPLY MOISTURIZER IMMEDIATELY AFTER WASHING
Daily moisturization after your shower is one of the most effective steps for anyone looking at how to fix dry skin on the body quickly.¹ Applying lotion, like Dove Men+Care Replenishing Hand + Body Lotion, when the skin is still damp, helps lock in water and prevents dry skin patches on the body from forming throughout the day.
When choosing the best men’s products for dry skin, look for formulas with:
- Hyaluronic acid
- Urea
- Shea butter
- Ceramides
USE A HUMIDIFIER TO MAINTAIN SKIN MOISTURE
Indoor heating and dry air can make dry skin worse. A humidifier is a device that adds moisture back into the air to prevent your skin from drying out. It helps restore humidity in your environment, reducing nighttime dryness and helping sensitive skin stay comfortable.²
WEAR COMFORTABLE, BREATHABLE CLOTHING
Rough fabrics, tight clothes, or unwashed gym gear can irritate dry skin on the body. Choose soft, breathable fabrics like cotton and avoid direct contact with wool or scratchy materials on the skin.²
If you notice recurring dry skin patches on your body after workouts, switch to fragrance-free detergents and change out of sweaty clothes quickly.
PROTECT SKIN WITH DAILY SUNSCREEN
Sun exposure can dry out your skin and worsen rough texture. SPF, or Sun Protection Factor, measures how well a sunscreen protects your skin from UVB rays that can damage the skin barrier and increase dryness.¹ Use a broad-spectrum SPF 30 daily, even on cloudy days.
SUPPORT SKIN HEALTH WITH A BALANCED DIET
Skin thrives on a nutrient-rich diet. Eating foods high in antioxidants and healthy fats helps support smoother, more hydrated skin. Try adding:
- Fatty fish
- Nuts and seeds
- Avocado
- Leafy greens
- Berries
Regular exercise boosts circulation, helping nutrients reach your skin more effectively.
WHEN TO CONSULT A DERMATOLOGIST
If the dry skin patches don’t improve after consistent care, or if you experience redness, cracking, or irritation, it may be time to see a dermatologist. They can identify underlying conditions like eczema or psoriasis and guide you on the next steps.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What causes rough, dry skin on the body?
Very dry skin all over the body can be caused by a combination of environmental factors and habits. Cold weather, indoor heating, long hot showers, harsh cleansers, and low humidity can all contribute. When these elements weaken your skin barrier, moisture escapes more easily, resulting in widespread dry skin on the body that feels tight, rough, or uncomfortable.⁴
Why am I getting random dry patches on my body?
Random dry skin patches on the body often develop when the skin barrier becomes weakened. Common triggers include hot showers, harsh soaps, cold weather, low humidity, dehydration, or friction from clothing. These factors strip away natural oils, leading to dry skin spots on the body that feel rough, flaky, or irritated.
How to get rid of very dry skin on your body?
If you’re wondering how to fix dry skin on your body quickly, combine three key steps: gentle exfoliation to remove dead skin cells, a moisturizing body wash to avoid further stripping, and a rich moisturizer applied immediately after showering to lock in hydration. Shorter lukewarm showers, drinking enough water, and using a humidifier can also help reduce very dry skin on the body.
How does exfoliation improve skin texture?
Exfoliation improves skin texture by removing dead skin cells on the surface that make dry skin on the body feel rough or flaky. Clearing away this buildup reveals smoother skin and allows moisturizers to absorb more effectively. It also helps prevent clogged pores and keeps dry skin patches on the body from becoming thicker or more irritated over time.
What quick home remedies soften rough, dry skin?
Simple kitchen ingredients can help soften rough, dry skin quickly. Oats, coconut oil, and mashed avocado all offer natural hydration that can soothe dry skin patches on the body. Apply as a mask to calm irritation and boost moisture.
Why moisturize right after showering?
Moisturizing right after showering helps seal water into the skin while it’s still damp. This prevents moisture loss and keeps dry skin spots on the body from returning throughout the day. One of the best men’s moisturizers for dry skin is Dove Men+Care Replenishing Hand + Body Lotion.
Can stress cause dry skin?
Yes. Stress can weaken the skin barrier, making it harder for your skin to stay hydrated. This can worsen dry skin on the body and make rough patches more noticeable.
<Sources>
1. American Academy of Dermatology. Dermatologists’ tips to relieve dry skin. 2024.
2. Mayo Clinic. Dry skin: Diagnosis and treatment. 2024.
3. Blueprint. Men’s skincare routine for dry skin: The best products and practices. 2024.
