Dry skin can be extremely uncomfortable and sometimes painful and irritating when not well taken care of. These are tips certified by dermatologists to help soothe dry skin for both children and adults.
- Skip long, hot showers: Hot water strips oils from the skin faster than warm water. Long showers or baths actually result in dried out skin. Try to limit yourself to a single 5 or 10 minute warm shower or bath a day.
- Use a gentle cleanser or shower gel with moisturizer: Go for unscented, soap-free, or mild soap cleansers instead of harsh cleansers.
- Moisturize while skin is moist: Pat your skin with a towel after you shower or wash your face or hands, leaving it damp. Apply a moisturizer within three minutes of washing to lock moisture in your skin.
- Use an ointment or cream rather than a lotion: Ointments and creams are more effective and less irritating than lotions. Look for a cream or ointment that contains an oil such as olive oil or jojoba oil. Shea butter also works well. Other ingredients that help to soothe dry skin include lactic acid, urea, hyaluronic acid, dimethicone, glycerin, lanolin, mineral oil, and petrolatum.
- Use only gentle, unscented skin care products: Some skin care products are too harsh for dry, sensitive skin e.g deodorant soaps, skin care products that contain alcohol, fragrance, retinoids, or alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA).
- Wear cotton and other natural fibers: Wool, synthetics, or other fabrics can be scratchy and irritating. Also use hypoallergenic detergents for your laundry.
- Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water as this would help keep your skin hydrated.
- For itching or inflammation, apply a cool compress or a hydrocortisone cream on the area for a week. If these don’t provide relief, visit your doctor as soon as possible.
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