If your skin is dry, cracked or chafing, you need more than just a hand cream or body lotion for long-term relief. Dermal treatments, like CeraVe’s new and aptly named Healing Ointment can be the fix. Developed with dermatologists, the ointment helps provide relief from all three conundrums, which are typically lumped together into one category despite having unique characteristics and pain points.
Dry skin can be characterized by a lack of moisture or oil in the dermis. It often appears dull, flaky and rough to the touch. If you run your hand over dry skin, it may feel tight. Our harsh and cold winters, low humidity and body and hand soaps can be the culprit, as they strip your skin of its natural oils.
Chafed skin, on the other hand, is the result of friction or rubbing, typically in areas like your underarms, groin and thighs where your skin rubs against other skin or clothing. Sweating and too-tight clothing can also contribute to chafing’s red and swollen-looking, and burning feeling.
Last but not least, cracked skin is, essentially, extremely dry skin, but kicked up several notches. It’s when the skin becomes so parched that it splits or breaks, creating visible fissures that can be painful, especially when they’re on your hands or feet. Cracked skin is often caused by extreme dryness or environmental factors like cold weather and can lead to infection if not treated. Thankfully, the first step for all three unwanted skin issues is the regular use of an occlusive ointment.
CeraVe’s Healing Ointment is fuelled with three ceramides, hyaluronic acid, petrolatum, dimethicone and panthenol to help protect, moisturize and soothe and repair your skin for long-lasting hydration. The balm is lightweight and non-greasy too, as well as non-comedogenic so it won’t block your pores. Plus, it’s free of potentially irritating ingredients such as fragrances, dyes and lanolin, so will feel comforting on your skin. It can be used as frequently as needed. We even like to apply it at bedtime before slipping our hands into a pair of soft cotton gloves for maximum absorption.
CeraVe Healing Ointment, $14.99 for 85 g, available at Shoppers Drug Mart.
