Words By Penny Lane

As the warmth of summer nears, so does the reluctant reality of baring winter-ravaged, often extremely dry and lacklustre skin. Give your body a much needed moisture boost, with our pick of the very best hydrating body creams, milks and lotions, to regain radiant, beach-ready skin, in a flash.

Pro-Collagen Body Cream by Elemis
A blend of smoothing, exotic oils, including castanha oil, babassu oil and bilberry oil, combine to deeply nourish and give anti-oxidant protection due to the vitamin A, B and E content that defend against cell damage to prevent premature ageing. Added marine extracts work to strengthen the epidermis and increase elasticity. We love its ability to break down fatty deposits, too.
£49, www.timetospa.co.uk

Lait Corporel by Biotherm
For a lighter, non-greasy texture, choose Biotherm’s moisturiser for all of the hydrating benefits, without the weight or residue of a richer cream. Ideal for those leading a super busy lifestyle, Lait Corporel is the perfect remedy to eliminate dry patches. Essential oils of orange and grapefruit deliver an uplifting and invigorating burst of freshness, great to quickly apply after your morning shower.
£19.50, www.boots.com

Pistachio Sundae Dry Skin Fix Body Butter by NIP + FAB
Ultra rich and creamy, with a high dose of shea butter for maximum moisture, this body butter works wonders to boost hydration, by enhancing water levels and intensively replenishing. Mineral oil effectively soothes seriously parched limbs, to reveal silky soft skin, which lasts all day and smells good enough to eat.
£9.95, www.asos.com

Skin Caviar Luxe Body Cream by La Prairie
Drench your body in pure decadence with this divinely rich, conditioning and revitalising treatment, infused with luxurious, caviar extract. Providing supreme nourishment, the formula also utilises an effective firming and energising action, to leave skin enviably luminous, with a more youthful appearance.
£274, www.houseoffraser.co.uk

Body Excellence Intense Hydrating Firming Milk by Chanel
A fresh and floral formula, containing royal jasmine wax elixir, to eradicate the unpleasant feeling of tightness, through intensive 24-hour hydration. Skin is left positively glowing, comforted and firmer, due to the added Indonesian botanical, purple bengle, renowned for its body toning power. A go-to corrective product, for thirsty skin.
£53, www.harrods.com