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

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.