Are you looking for dry skin care? Solutions to combat irritation, flaking, and itching? Dry skin can be unsightly, uncomfortable, and at times downright painful.
Ouch!
For effective dry skin care, follow the dermatologist-recommended advice below.
Dry Skin Tips
The first thing to do is to preserve the natural oil in your skin. Excessive bathing washes away this natural defense. Next, be gentle.
The Mayo clinic puts it succinctly:
"Don’t soak, scrub, or rub!"
Take short showers: 5-10 minutes.
Use warm, never hot, water.
Gently lather with a mild cleanser.
Pat with a soft towel until damp dry.
Limit showers to one per day.
Cleansers
Choose a natural soap with added fats or oils. Or use a mild, natural shower gel. The best of these have a built in moisturizer.
Avoid deodorant and antibacterial soaps. These are harsh on your skin and include potentially harmful ingredients. For more information read Does Antibacterial Soap Work?
The next step?
Slather on the Moisturizer!
Moisturizer creates a protective barrier. It seals moisture in while guarding against harsh environmental conditions.
While skin is still damp from the shower, add a layer of moisturizer. Try a natural body butter. Body butters are easy to use and give great results. Applying to damp skin will lock in moisture. If you can, take a few moments here to relax and pamper yourself. Relaxation is good for you and will show on your face!
Try to moisturize morning and night... and more often if possible.
Bonus tips
Use a humidifier.
Dry indoor air, especially heated air, is cruel to your skin. A humidifier will help replace moisture loss. Use a humidifier in your bedroom and awaken to hydrated skin.
Wear natural fibers, such as cotton and silk, but avoid wool. Trapped beneath clothing, moisture and sweat will further irritate skin. Natural fibers allow skin to breath. And they are soft and comforting to dry skin. Wool, however, may cause itching. Wear a cotton turtleneck under your favorite wool sweater for protection.
Use fragrance-free clothes detergent. Dry skin is sensitive skin. Purchase mild detergent with no added fragrance or coloring.
Include Omega 3s in your diet. Healthy eating promotes healthy skin. Essential fatty acids are particularly important for dry skin care. Good omega 3 fatty acids sources include fatty fish, such as salmon and herring, flaxseed, flaxseed oil, and walnuts.
The above steps should bring relief. But if your symptoms persist, be sure to check with a physician. It's important to rule out a medical condition such as eczema.