3 Lifestyle Changes To Beat Dry Skin For Good
No matter what time of the year it is dry skin can attack. That’s especially true if you live in one of those areas that’s extolled for the “dry heat.” Whatever the cause, itchy, flaky and cracked dry skin is no fun. Luckily, you can beat dry skin for good with a few easy lifestyle adjustments.
Buy The Right Products
What you put on your skin is going to be a huge determining factor in how dry your skin feels. Seems obvious, but in our rush to use the trendiest or cheapest products, we don’t always watch what we put on our skin.
If you suffer from dry skin, first watch your lotion. A lot of those fun, scented lotions that come in the gift baskets tend to focus on scent over true skin nourishment. You should opt for a cream or ointment with natural oils for high-quality moisture.
Also make sure the other products that come in contact with your body aren’t on the harsh, drying side. This includes making sure your laundry detergent is gentle and natural. Make sure your soaps are on the fragrance-free, moisturizing and gentle side, as well. The word you’ll want to search for here is “hypoallergenic.”
Don’t feel like you have to stop at lotion, soap and detergent products. For instance, invest in a good humidifier if the air if your home is chronically dry.
Careful What You Wear
The worst areas on the body for dry skin are often hands. Considering the abuse we put them through, between dishwashing and cleaning bathrooms, it’s no wonder. Simply wear some gloves before you do anything harsh, like washing dishes or cleaning with harsh household cleaners. Even wearing gloves in the winter can reduce the windblown, chapped hands look.
For the rest of your clothing, go for smooth cottons and silks, rather than harsh textures like wool that can rub and irritate skin.
Bathe Right
Sometimes the way we shower can be a culprit with dry, itchy skin. Those luxurious hot showers, for as good as they feel, also tend to strip the skin of its natural moisture. Take warm showers instead of piping hot ones, and try to limit shower time to ten minutes or less. Also make sure to keep doors closed during showers to keep skin from drying out, and blot dry with a towel (rather than rubbing) to reduce irritation to the skin. Then when you are done, apply moisturizer when your skin is still damp to trap in that moisture.
Of course, if you’ve exhausted the measures above and your skin is still driving you nuts, a visit to the dermatologist may be in order. Especially if you have chronically red or cracked skin.
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