Objectives: To identify possible factors associated with different severities of xerosis cutis and to describe possible associations between (skin) care dependency and application of moisturizers.

Design: Cross-sectional study using baseline data from a cluster-randomized controlled trial. Demographic and health characteristics, skin physiological measurements, functional abilities and application of moisturizers were compared between the participants with mild and severe dry skin. Frequency of moisturization were also compared based on the participants' skin care dependency.

Results: The more distal the body area, the more severe xerosis were observed. There were no or minor differences between the groups, except for the stratum corneum hydration and skin surface pH. Participants with severe xerosis received moisturizers less often. Skin care dependent residents received moisturizers frequently.

Conclusion: There is under-application regarding xerosis cutis treatment in long-term care. Skin care provided by nurses, in adequate frequencies, might be helpful compared to skin care performed by the residents themselves.