Soap tends to dry the skin and if your skin is very dry it is best to avoid using it. Soap substitutes such as aqueous cream are very helpful. The third element is applying a moisturising cream or ointment. Ointments tend to be greasier and therefore more effective, but are not always cosmetically acceptable. They take up to an hour to soak in and can stain clothing.
Creams are more cosmetically acceptable and effective for the majority of people.
They soak in within 10 to 15 minutes and do not stain clothing. These can be bought over the counter or are available on prescription. There are hundreds of different emollients to choose from. Those produced by pharmaceutical companies are generally most effective and these are the ones that are available on prescription. What is most important is that you find one that you like to use and that seems to work for you.