Women's Health may earn commission from the links on this page, but we only feature products we believe in. Why Trust Us?Dry, flaky skin requires a lot of extra care to maintain its moisture and healthy glow, and while thick creams, beautifully smelling lotions, and other hydrating treatments might be the first solutions that come to mind, it's your "soap" that's the true first step to softer skin. Many people use soap and body wash or body cleanser interchangeably, but they're not the same things. "Most of the cleansers made for dry skin are actually not soap," explains board-certified dermatologist Jessica Dowling, MD. "Soap is alkaline, so its pH is higher than our natural skin pH, which can be very drying." She adds that non-soap cleansers are better since they're more acidic and don't disrupt the skin barrier. Plus, if your skin dries out from long, hot showers, these nourishing washes can be a game-changer. Whether you're looking for a soothing body oil (like the XeraCalm A.D Lip...
