How to Choose Lotion for Dry Skin

Dry, flaky skin can be a problem, especially when you don’t know where to start when trying to repair it. Dermatologists can be expensive, and lotion labels can be confusing. Finding lotions to make your skin softer and smoother doesn’t have to be a nightmare. There are also ways to help keep your skin moisturized before applying lotion.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Activities and Chemicals to Avoid

1. Bathe in lukewarm water, because hot water dries out your skin.
2. Bathe only once a day. Bathing more often than this dries out your skin.
3. Bathe for less than fifteen minutes. Bathing longer than this removes oil from your skin.
4. Avoid harsh soaps that dry out skin and use non-scented soaps.
5. Avoid using scented laundry detergents and fabric softeners.

Helpful Activities and Chemicals

6. Use a humidifier during the winter. This helps offset the skin-drying effects of your heater.
7. Minimize sweating as much as possible during the summer as this can cause dryness and itching.
8. Be sure to drink plenty of water. This increases moisture your body creates naturally.
9. Use soothing fabrics, not wool or other fabrics that scratch.

The Best Lotion Ingredients and Practices

10. Buy lotions that contain sun block or sunscreen with SPF 15 or greater. Apply these daily.
11. Apply moisturizers right after bathing so you can retain the moisture from the shower.
12. Choose Cetaphil Cream or Eucerin Cream for moderate dry skin.
13. Choose oils for severe dry skin. Follow up with a moisturizing cream. Re-apply before going to bed.

Tips & Warnings

• When bathing, don’t “scrub” with a washcloth or sponge.
• After bathing, don’t “rub” with your towel.