How to Care for Dry Skin

Only a lucky few have 'normal' skin; the rest of us have a dry, oily or combination variety. If dryness is your problem, read on.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Olive (not Virgin) Oil
• Aloe Vera Gel
• Alpha-hydroxy Lotions
• Lavender Oils
• Mild Facial Cleansers
• Moisturizers
• Alpha-hydroxy lotions
• Moisturizers

1. Remember the basics: Drink at least eight glasses of water a day to keep your skin well hydrated; eat a high-quality diet rich in fruits and vegetables; and limit sun exposure.

2. Wash your face no more than twice a day with a gentle cleanser formulated for dry skin. Washing more often can dry your skin.

3. Take short baths or showers and use warm rather than hot water. Try to limit showers and baths to one per day. Use soap only where you need it, such as on your underarms and groin.

4. Add a few teaspoons of olive oil or lavender-scented oil to your bath.

5. Pat your skin dry after washing. Avoid rubbing yourself dry with a towel, which can whisk away essential oils needed for moisture.

6. Apply moisturizer while your skin is still damp. Heed the advice of many experts in choosing a moisturizer'less is more when it comes to the ingredient list.

7. Understand that moisturizers contain barriers, which keep water on the skin, and water binders, which whisk moisture from the inner layer of skin to the top layer. Look for ingredients such as glycerin, alpha hydroxy acids, urea and lactic acids (binders), combined with petrolatum, lanolin or silicone derivatives (barriers). You have a choice of hundreds of products. A dermatologist or other skin care expert may be able to advise you on your specific needs, but trial and error will probably be your best bet in finding the product that's right for you.

8. Aim for a comfortable level of humidity in your home or office. Too much heat or too much air-conditioning can rob your skin of moisture.

Tips & Warnings

• Consult an allergist to find out if an allergic reaction might be causing your dry skin.
• Avoid caffeine and alcohol, which cause dehydration.
• Steer clear of added fragrance, preservatives and botanicals, which may irritate already dry skin.
• Check with a doctor if you have irritated, red or scaly skin. You could have a serious condition requiring medical treatment.

on 9/8/2006 Use honey as a mask to soften and hydrate your hands and face. Leave for around 15 minutes and rinse off. It also tightens the skin.

on 8/22/2006 I have very dry, scaly skin on my legs, and my arms are scarcely better. I put lotion on every morning and after I shower at night. It hasn't helped significantly yet, but my cousin's skin is glowing now instead of dry and scaly.

And if you have dry, cracking skin on your feet, like I do, wear socks and closed shoes as much as possible. It helps.

on 8/3/2006 After washing your hands, rub a small amount of baby oil gel on your hands before gently patting your hands dry. It will keep your hands soft, and not oily.

on 6/30/2006 Once you get out of the shower, apply lotion all over your body while you are still moist. Do this and gradually your skin will turn soft.
Why spend money on specialized moisturizers when you can just apply a little bit of hair conditioner when you are in the shower!
Do you wash dishes? When you finish, always apply lotion to your hands!

on 12/28/2005 I've tried lotions, but if you itch so much you want to scrape the skin off, try holding a cool, damp, wash cloth on the spots for 2/3 minutes. For longer relief - wrap the damp cloth or paper towels around the area then cover in Saran wrap. Try using a vaporizer in the house to add humidity to the air.