How to Take Care of Dry Skin
Many people are experiencing dry skin, especially in the winter months. Dry skin is itchy, uncomfortable, and damaging to your complexion. Sometimes it is tough to fight against dry skin patches on your feet, elbows, lower legs, hands, and back of your upper arms. Dry skin could lead to splits and cracks that can be painful and unattractive. When dry skin is left untreated, it could develop into various dermatitis, and you will need to visit a doctor to treat it.
Typical causes of dry skin are lack of humidity in the air, not drinking enough water, and exposure to the elements. How can you fight against dry skin and be comfortable? Test out these tips to adjust your daily skincare routine.
Re-evaluative Your Routine
While some dry skin is due to medical reasons, or it might be hereditary, what is causing your dry skin is external triggers. Different aspects of your daily routine could be the cause of your dry skin. Look at your bath and shower habits:
- Long, hot showers – Your skin produces oils that are a natural barrier against germs, exposure to the elements, and dry skin. Long, hot showers strip the oils away from your skin and leave you unprotected. To help protect your skin, turn down your shower or bath’s water temperature, and limit your time to 5 or 10 minutes in the shower a day.
- Be mindful of your cleansers – In the face of the pandemic it is easy to seek out the most potent cleansers money can buy; however, powerful cleaners will damage your skin over time. You may want to consult your dermatologist with what they recommend but usually reach for soaps that are unscented, mild, and soap-free.
- Nourish your skin when it is moist – Knowing when to administer your different skin moisturizers is part of the battle. After washing, pat the skin to dry, but leaving it slightly damp. To maximize your moisturizers’ effectiveness, apply them shortly after you emerge from the shower or bath.
Protect Yourself from Exposure
Whether you work outside regularly or are inside with a vent blowing over your station, be mindful of what type of exposure your skin receives and protect yourself from it. Cover your skin when appropriate and wear sunscreen, even it is just on your face. Look for a sunscreen that protects against both UVA and UVB rays and is at least 30 SPF.
If you are mainly inside, look for opportunities to plug in a humidifier to combat the dry air that comes from your furnace or air conditioner. Not only will a humidifier help you with dry skin, but it should help with dry sinuses and itchy eyes.
Try These Other Tips
- Drink plenty of water
- Eat healthy foods that are rich in omega-3 fatty acids.
- Wear lip balm
- Wear loose-fitting clothes that are cotton and other natural fibers. Wool, synthetics, or other threads can be itchy and irritating. Tight-fitting clothing could chafe hot zones on your body and irritate your skin further.
- Rather than using lotion, look for ointments or creams; they tend to be less irritating than lotions.
