How to Use A Moisturizer For Dry Skin
Parched, dry skin, or thirsty skin, is so uncomfortable and your skin care routine may need some tweaking to control it. Many things cause dry skin, including health issues, medications, or simply dry air in winter or air conditioning in summer.
Dry skin can be treated with your favorite moisturizer or lotion. In stubborn cases where skin care with a good quality moisturizing cream is not enough, and skin is still parched or flaking, see your physician for help or a referral to a competent dermatologist.
Things You'll Need
- Moisturizer, skin cream, or lotion for face, and one for all over body use
- Mild, moisturizing soap, gel or lotion (low scent)
- Soft towels
- Warm shower, not hot
Instructions
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Pick the products that work for you. Buy a quality moisturizing skin care product or one recommended by a pharmacist, physician or dermatologist.
Serious cases may need treated with prescription medication. Get samples if possible, and if one brand does not work well, try a different one. Unscented products and products marked as non-allergenic would be good to try first. This will prevent a clash of scents, especially if you also wear a perfume or cologne; see Resource link below.
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Shower with warm, not hot water, using a soap, gel, or liquid that is compatible with your skin. You may need to try several different varieties and brands before you find the right one. Use a mild cleansing agent that is marked as moisturizing. Find these at independent sales representatives, online; or look in bath and body type specialty retailers and health food stores. Olive oil soap might be an option.
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Use a scrubbing gel gently on problem areas, and much less frequently than normal -- or not at all and ask your physician or dermatologist for a substitute for problem skin.
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Rinse thoroughly and use soft towels to pat dry. Stiff or scratchy towels may feel good initially, but that will not help itchy or dry skin heal and could add to the irritation.
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Use a good quality, all over body moisturizer after each shower. Use facial moisturizer creams and specific ones for around the delicate eye area or on the lips. Be sure your make-up contains moisturizers. Do not forget to smooth on the moisturizer on your ankles, feet and elbows. Put a light second coat on any particular problem areas. Wear cotton gloves and socks overnight after using a moisture cream if hands or feet are problem areas.
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Tips & Warnings
Moisturizers may need applied repeatedly throughout the day to help avoid dry skin.
Keep a small container of a quality moisturizer in all bathrooms and in your purse for quick applications.
Have a humidifier installed on your furnace, or use a portable humidifier for winter or air conditioning, where air is too dry.
When you have caught a cold with a running nose or sneezing, use tissues with moisturizers built in, or apply a moisturizer every time you use a tissue to avoid the irritated red skin that eventually becomes the embarrassing "fuzzy nose".
Do not use antibacterial moisturizers if skin has any problems unless directed to do so by your physician or dermatologist.
If dry skin persists regardless of your skin care routine, or cracks, bleeding, intense itching or flaking is present, discontinue your product use and consult your physician or dermatologist promptly for product recommendations or medical treatment.
