How to Cure Dry Skin

A thick moisturizer is one of the keys to curing dry skin.

Your skin needs adequate moisture to stay soft and smooth, and the winter's dry air and harsh conditions can make this difficult to achieve. Fortunately there are several things that you can do to help heal your dry skin. If you're prone to dry skin, you'll need to be vigilant and always make protecting your skin a priority. If your dry skin is severe, you may need to consult a dermatologist for help in curing and healing your skin.

Things You'll Need

• Moisturizer
• Cleansing cream
• Natural soap
• Shaving gel or cream
• Weather-appropriate clothing
• Humidifier

Instructions

1. Use moisturizer immediately after showering or bathing. Apply moisturizer while your skin is still slightly damp to help lock in the moisture, advises the American Academy of Dermatology. Keep a bottle of lotion nearby to apply to your hands and arms throughout the day.

2. Wear weather-appropriate clothing and accessories. Don a good pair of gloves and a scarf when going outdoors in the cold to help prevent your skin from becoming chapped and from further irritating already damaged skin.

3. Use a humidifier. Dry indoor air can wreak havoc on your skin, but a humidifier -- whether a portable or furnace unit -- adds humidity to the air to keep it from being so dry. Keep your humidifier clean to avoid developing fungi and airborne bacteria.

4. Bathe in warm water, not hot. Hot water will only serve to further dry out your skin. Limit your shower or bathing time to no more than 15 minutes, advises the MayoClinic.com website.

5. Avoid using harsh soaps on your skin. Instead, try using a natural skin care product such as a soap that contains glycerin or use cleansing creams with added moisturizers.

6. Soften your skin before using a razor. Apply a generous amount of shaving cream or gel about three minutes before shaving and let it sit on the area to be shaved to lessen the irritation on your skin. Shave the hair in the direction of hair growth.

7. Blot or gently pat your skin dry after showers instead of rubbing it with a towel, which can irritate dry skin.

Tips & Warnings

• Some ingredients to look in a good lotion: Glycerin, Shea Butter, Cocoa Butter, and Virgin Olive Oil, Jojoba, and Grape seed Oil

• Don't wear wool or other irritating fabrics, which just make your skin more itchy.

References

• American Academy of Dermatology; Dry Skin: Tips for Relieving
• MayoClinic.com; Dry Skin: Lifestyle and Home Remedies; November 23, 2010
• Real Simple; True or False: Drinking Water will Hydrate Dry Skin; Elizabeth Graves