If dry and cold air are making your skin dry out, itch, flake or even crack, there are a couple of things you can and should do about it.
Here’s how to take care of dry skin and make it perfectly smooth again.
Don’t Take Long Baths.
It may feel nice to take a looooong bath, but all that soaking in hot water doesn’t do your skin any good. Instead, what you need to do is limit the time you spend in the shower or in the bath to 5-10 minutes. Your skin will thank you for it.
Also, when showering, make sure that the water is warm and pleasant to the skin, rather than hot and steaming. In fact, many studies found that cold showers are actually much better for our skin and hair as they help hydrate and prevent dry skin and split ends.
Next, while in the bathtub, use a gentle cleanser and apply as much as you need to get rid of excess oils and dirt. However, make sure you don’t go overboard with it and create a thick lather.
Once finished (remember, 10 minutes tops!) get out and then dry yourself with a towel, gently. Once sufficiently dry, apply a moisturizer right away.
Replace Scented Soaps and Other Skin “Care” Products for Gentle Ones
Yes, a scented soap sounds like a brilliant idea, but if you have sensitive skin, it will only dry it up.
If you are noticing that your skin is getting dry after using a particular soap or other skin care product, stop using it and find something that is a bit gentler on your skin. The main culprits are usually deodorant soaps and skin care products with alcohol, fragrance or AHA (alpha-hydroxy acid).
Using these products prevents the skin from retaining enough of its natural oils.
Other Things You Can and Should do for Your Skin to Stop it From Being Dry
Of course, there are a couple of other things you can do to help your skin retain its necessary moisture and stop being dry and flaky.
For instance, your hands are likely the first place on your body that gets dry and it usually happens in the winter. You know what people do in the winter? Wear gloves. However, winter is not the only time you should be wearing gloves. Put some on when your hands are going to get wet or when you are working with chemicals or other substances that can dry the skin.
Another thing you should do, especially in the winter, is to apply lip balm. Keep in mind, however, that your lips may react to certain lip balms. It’s nothing dangerous, but if you feel a little tingling or itchiness when you apply a lip balm, switch to another one.
Finally, if your skin is still dry after doing all of, make an appointment with your dermatologist. He/She can give you more advice on how to best take care of your skin and even recommend a good skin care product.
