How To Soothe Dry Skin

If you have dry, itchy, flaky skin, you want to soothe it - and you want to soothe it fast. But through the winter months, a combination of the freezing cold weather outside and the warm, dry environment indoors can add up to dry, dull skin. Household irritants, such as cleaning fluids, or even things like chlorine from the swimming pool, perfumes, certain moisturizers and even the makeup that you use can all dry your skin out. Learn how to recognize what causes your dry skin and how to fix it with these tips.

Causes of Dry Skin

There are literally hundreds of causes of dry skin - weather, temperature fluctuations, household irritants, lifestyle and the products you use on your skin. When washing dishes for example, keeping your hands submerged in water and detergent can cause dryness. Cool winter weather dehydrates skin and the hot air of the central heating system can dry it out even further.

Perfumes, moisturizers and makeup can all dry skin out, too. Identify what might be causing your dry skin and then you can work towards using barrier creams and moisturizers - or just avoiding the irritant altogether.

Is it Dry Skin or Eczema?

There's a huge difference between dry skin and eczema, so it's important that you know whether you're dealing with dry skin or eczema before you start treatment. Eczema is characterized by a rash, and the skin affected by eczema is typically very dry and can be thickened or scaly. Eczema patches are often red and flaky and are almost always itchy. Eczema is treated by making a few lifestyle changes and by using medicated creams, rather than moisturizers and barrier creams - so if you're unsure, pay a visit to your doctor for a diagnosis. They'll be able to tell whether it's eczema by examining the area and by asking you a few questions.

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Not Too Hot

You might think that a relaxing soak in a hot bath with plenty of moisturizing bath liquid will help to nourish your skin - but it could actually have the opposite effect. Water that is too hot will dry skin out, as it strips your skin of its natural oil barrier, which is what helps to lock moisture in and keep skin smooth and supple. Without it, skin will be dry and flaky. Soaking in water for too long can also dry skin out further and most skin experts recommend taking short, warm - not hot! - baths and showers that take no longer than ten minutes. So if you're a big fan of hot baths but you're struggling with dry skin, you'll have to say farewell to them, unfortunately!

Moisturize, Moisturize And Moisturize Some More

It sounds really, really obvious. We know. But moisturizing your skin frequently is one of the only ways to combat dryness and flaking. Plus, you need to make sure that you're using the right moisturizer for your skin - and that you use it at the right time. Typically, skincare experts recommend that you moisturize after taking a shower as pores are more open and are therefore more able to soak up moisture. You should also use a product that contains glycerin and ideally, that contains it as the first ingredient - this means that glycerin is the main ingredient. It works as a bit of a barrier, helping your skin hold on to moisture, which helps to protect against future dryness. As for how frequently you should be moisturizing, once a day is usually enough, but if you have particularly dry skin, moisturize twice a day - once in the morning and once at night.

Some people need moisturizers that are very rich whilst others will need light moisturizers that don't weigh their skin down - so make sure you choose the right products and apply them at the right time.

Use Gentle Products

Harsh soaps and harsh cleansers can dry skin out quite severely, and no matter how much moisturizer you use, if you keep on using products that are harsh and drying, your skin will still be dry. Make the switch to gentle products and cleansers and you should notice a difference in the texture of your skin.

Protect and Perfect

Whenever you go out into the sun - and even through the winter months - it's important that you apply a suntan lotion with an SPF of at least 30 to protect your skin from the drying effects of the sun. If your skin is really, really dry, and you find that moisturizers aren't really doing the trick, think about applying petroleum jelly to the skin as a barrier cream. When skin is really dry and feels particularly sensitive, applying a chemical-laden moisturizer to the skin can make matters even worse. Instead, using petroleum jelly as a barrier cream or as a moisturizer can help to soothe skin and protect it from further drying damage. It contains only one ingredient, which means that it's gentle on even the most sensitive skin.

Read More: Nourish Your Skin With Essential Oils

Oaty Goodness

Oats have been used for centuries to help soothe dry, itchy skin. If the itch is getting you down, or you just want a relaxing bath, grind old-fashion oats in a blender and sprinkle into the bath as the water runs. Soak for at least 15 minutes, then follow up with a moisturizer and you should notice a huge difference.

Exfoliate Gently

As our skin cells age, they can accumulate on the skin's surface, leading to a dull, rough appearance. Exfoliating helps to slough off these dead skin cells, allowing new, fresher cells to emerge. It can also help unclog pores, prevent acne breakouts, and improve the effectiveness of skincare products by allowing them to penetrate deeper into the skin.

For dry or sensitive skin, it's crucial to select a gentle exfoliator to avoid irritation. Look for products labeled as "gentle," "mild," or "for sensitive skin." Avoid exfoliators with large, abrasive particles, such as walnut shells, as these can cause microtears in the skin and worsen dryness.

How often you should exfoliate depends on your skin type and the type of exfoliator you use. For most people with dry or sensitive skin, exfoliating once or twice a week is sufficient. Over-exfoliating can lead to redness, irritation, and excessive dryness, so it's essential to find a balance that works for your skin.

Avoid Irritants

Avoiding irritants is an essential aspect of caring for sensitive or dry skin. Many external factors and products can trigger irritation, inflammation, and worsen dryness. By identifying and avoiding these irritants, you can help maintain healthier, more comfortable skin. Here's a detailed explanation of how to avoid irritants:

Opt for skincare products that are specifically formulated for sensitive or dry skin. Look for labels that say "fragrance-free," "hypoallergenic," or "for sensitive skin." Avoid products containing alcohol, harsh chemicals, or strong fragrances, as these can strip the skin of its natural oils and cause irritation.

When trying out new skincare or cosmetic products, perform a patch test on a small area of skin, such as the inside of your wrist, before applying it to your face or body. This helps identify any potential allergic reactions or irritation.

Dry skin can be cured with a little bit of care and attention - but if you're concerned about your skin and whether you're suffering from a skin condition, see your doctor.