Dry skin occurs when the skin does not retain enough moisture. This can happen as a result of showering regularly, using harsh soaps, aging, or certain medical conditions. And for those in colder climates, it can come from cold, dry winter air. During the winter months, you may experience red, rough, and itchy skin. This is because cold winter air means low humidity, both outdoors and indoors. The water content of the epidermis (the outermost layer of the skin) tends to reflect the moisture level around it. Fortunately, there are many simple and inexpensive things you can do to relieve dry winter skin. Below are some ways to combat dry skin that are effective when applied consistently:
1. Use a humidifier in the winter. Set it to about 60%, a level that should be enough to replenish the top layer of skin.
2. Limit yourself to a 5 to 10 minute bath or shower a day. Showering more than that can pull a lot of the oily layer off the skin and cause it to lose moisture. Use lukewarm water instead of hot water.
3. Minimize your use of soap; If necessary, choose moisturizing preparations, or consider soap-free cleansers. Stay away from deodorant soaps, perfumed soaps and alcohol products, which can remove natural oils.
4. To avoid damaging the skin, keep away from bath sponges, scrub brushes and washcloths. If you don't want to give them up completely, you should use a light touch. For the same reason, pat (don't rub) the skin when it dries.
5. Apply moisturizer immediately after bathing or washing your hands. This helps to close the spaces between your skin cells and make them moist.
6. To reduce the greasy feeling of petroleum jelly and thick creams, rub a small amount into your hands and then rub it over the affected areas until neither your hands nor the affected areas feel greasy.
7. Never itch or scratch. Usually a moisturizer can suppress the itching. You can also use a cold pack to relieve itchy spots.
8. Use fragrance-free detergents and avoid fabric softeners.
9. Avoid wearing wool and other fabrics that can irritate the skin.
