Are you wondering about the best way to care for dry skin? Dry skin requires special care because otherwise, it not only looks dry, reddened, and sometimes flaky, but it can also feel irritated, itchy, and even painful. In severe cases, scratching dry skin can lead to infection. We’ll tell you about the best treatment for dry skin and how to keep your skin looking and feeling great.
Stay Hydrated
Drinking enough water is the first step toward the prevention and treatment of dry skin. Drinking water alone won’t cure dry skin, but you can’t have healthy skin if you aren’t well-hydrated. According to the Mayo Clinic website, the average woman needs at least nine glasses of water a day, while the average man needs at least 13 glasses of water a day.
Include Healthful Fats in Your Diet
Many people limit the amount of fat in their diets and it is true that a high-fat diet can lead to health problems. It’s also true, however, that we all need some healthful fats in our diet. Foods like walnuts, avocados, salmon, and other fatty fish, flaxseeds, and olive oil provide the healthful fats we need and help skin stay healthy and youthful-looking. Of course, eating a healthy diet, in general, will help your skin stay healthy, too.
Use a Good Moisturizer
Use a good moisturizer at least twice a day, especially after washing your face and after bathing. Pat your skin dry gently with a towel but don’t rub it dry so that some moisture remains. The moisturizer will form a sort of barrier, keeping moisture in your skin. You can apply moisturizer more often if desired, but don’t wash your face more than twice a day because that can lead to even drier skin. A moisturizer designed for dry skin is preferred and we’ll tell you about our favorite brand of moisturizer for the care for dry skin in a moment.
Avoid Harsh Soaps and Other Skin Care Products That Can Dry Out Skin
If you have dry skin, wash your face and other dry areas with a gentle cleanser, preferably one meant for use on dry skin. Avoid regular bath soap and any harsh cleansers, including those that contain alcohol, which can strip away the natural oils in the skin and make skin even drier. Even products like sunscreen can dry out your skin, so look for products specially designed to be gentle on dry skin. Products designed for sensitive skin are often good choices for dry skin, as well. Antibacterial soaps, soaps with added fragrance, and hand sanitizer products can be particularly drying to the skin, so avoid those if you can.
Avoid Long, Hot Baths
While long, hot baths may feel good, lengthy exposure to hot water is not good for dry skin. Use warm water, not hot, and take short showers or baths to avoid stripping away the natural oils in your skin and increasing dryness.
Choose Fabrics That Are Gentle to Dry Skin
Some natural fabrics, including cotton and silk, allow for good air circulation and help prevent dry skin and skin irritation. Fabrics like wool, however, can irritate even normal skin and may make dry skin worse. Wash your clothing, towels, and bedding in a detergent without perfume or dyes, too, because those things may irritate sensitive skin.
Invest in a Humidifier
Dry air can lead to dry, irritated skin. Many people experience dry, itchy skin in the winter when indoor heated air is particularly drying to the skin. A humidifier keeps indoor air moist and is a simple but effective way to help prevent or relieve dry skin. You can use a portable humidifier in the rooms in which you spend most of your time or get one that attaches to your home’s furnace. Just make sure to clean the humidifier regularly so it doesn’t end up dispersing mold or bacteria into the air!
Preferred Products for the Care for Dry Skin
The Mayo Clinic website recommends Eucerin products for the treatment for dry skin. Eucerin offers a number of products designed for treating dry skin, including lotion, moisturizer, body wash, and even products designed to relieve the discomfort of eczema. Available over the counter without a doctor’s prescription, Eucerin provides easy-to-use, affordable relief from the itching and discomfort of dry skin. The lotions and moisturizers have a thick, luxurious feel and are non-greasy. Just follow this link to Amazon to learn more about the top-recommended products for the care for dry skin.
Additional Reading:
Soap For Dry Skin – How to choose a soap that will soothe and soften dry skin.
Dry Skin Rash – How to know if you have eczema or dry skin. How to deal with dry skin around the eyes.