10 Tips For Relieving Dry Skin

By Rosemary Verghese, MD

Mid-Atlantic Skin Surgery Institute

. https://midatlanticskinsurgery.com/

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10 Tips For Relieving Dry Skin

Cold weather months can be very damaging to the skin robbing it of much needed moisture and leaving it dry, dull and flaky. Here are tips that can help prevent dry skin or keep it from getting worse.

Bathe daily. A short daily bath or shower can add much-needed moisture to the skin. It is important to use warm, not hot, water.

Use a gentle cleanser. Stop using deodorant bars, antibacterial soaps, perfumed soaps, and skin care products containing alcohol, like hand sanitizers. Look for either a mild, fragrance-free soap or a soap substitute that moisturizes.

Moisturize, moisturize, moisture. Applying moisturizer within three minutes of bathing seals in much-needed water. If skin is noticeably dry and uncomfortable, moisturizing more frequently throughout the day can help the skin heal. Consistent use of moisturizer will help prevent dry skin from returning.

Plug in a humidifier. A humidifier can add much-needed moisture to the air and help your skin retain its moisture.

Avoid wearing wool and other rough materials next to the skin. These can irritate dry skin, making the condition worse.

Give hands the extra attention they deserve. Hands often show the effects of a dry environment more than any other part of the body. This is why you should wear gloves when outdoors in cold weather and apply hand cream frequently.

Wear sunscreen every day. Even in the winter, exposure to the sun's rays increases the risk of developing dry skin, wrinkles, age spots, and spider veins. Daily use of a sunscreen can slow these sun-induced signs of aging and reduce the risk of developing skin cancer. It is recommended that you wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF 30 or higher on all exposed skin.

Apply lip balm often. Carrying a tube of lip balm and applying it frequently throughout the day helps heal dry, cracked lips. If lips are extremely dry, dab on petroleum jelly before bed. Continuing to use lip balm once the lips heal can keep lips soft and supple. It is also recommended that you use a lip balm that has an SPF of at least 30. This can help reduce signs of premature aging and prevent skin cancer on the lips.

If these changes do not bring relief, make an appointment to see a dermatologist. Very dry skin may require a prescription ointment or cream. Dry skin also can be a sign of an underlying medical condition such as eczema. A dermatologist can examine the skin and explain what will help alleviate the dryness and irritation.