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5 Ways to Get Rid of Dry Body Skin

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Maybe it’s the winter months, According to Dr. Leslie Baumann‘s [easyazon_link identifier=”0071490620″ locale=”US” tag=”cosmeticswiki-20″]Cosmetic Dermatology[/easyazon_link], dry skin is a condition that is characterized by the lack of less than 10% water content in the stratum corneum (uppermost layer of the skin).

What are some factors that can lead to dry skin?

According to [easyazon_link identifier=”0071490620″ locale=”US” tag=”cosmeticswiki-20″]Cosmetic Dermatology[/easyazon_link], agents that can lead to dry skin include hot water, detergents, friction from clothing, frequent air travel, pollution, certain chemicals, and air conditioning.

What can be done about dry skin on the body?

1. Limit the length and temperature of your showering and bathing

Although pleasant, hot water can rob your skin of much-needed moisture. Try to limit yourself to water that is warm at best for no longer than 10-15 minutes, according to the University of Iowa Health Center.

2. Use bath oils

Dr. Audrey Kunin, a Kansas City-based dermatologist suggests in [easyazon_link identifier=”B000S1M5GI” locale=”US” tag=”cosmeticswiki-20″]The DermaDoctor Skinstruction Manual[/easyazon_link] to use [easyazon_link identifier=”B000NVR94G” locale=”US” tag=”cosmeticswiki-20″]Balnetar Therapeutic Tar Bath[/easyazon_link] is commonly used by individuals with psoriasis. According to Kunin, “The tar helps alleviate the itching and flaking, while the oil base helps hydrate dry, cracking skin.” As with any bubble bath, watch out for the slippery tub afterwards! Avoid soap, which can be drying. An excellent choice for body wash for dry skin is [easyazon_link identifier=”B000GZPHCU” locale=”US” tag=”cosmeticswiki-20″]California Baby Tea Tree Oil and Lavender Shampoo and Shower Gel[/easyazon_link] ($9.95, [easyazon_link identifier=”B000GZPHCU” locale=”US” tag=”cosmeticswiki-20″]Amazon.com[/easyazon_link]), with hydrating oils, anti-bacterial tea tree oil, and soothing lavender.

For hands, in the winter months, keep a gentle all-purpose cleanser like [easyazon_link identifier=”B00352MHE2″ locale=”US” tag=”cosmeticswiki-20″]Cetaphil[/easyazon_link] instead of soap by the sink, and carry a hydrating hand cream with you. One of my favorites is the facial cream [easyazon_link identifier=”B000092OX4″ locale=”US” tag=”cosmeticswiki-20″]Olay Regenerist UV[/easyazon_link] — it’s small enough to fit into most purses, and with niacinamide and vitamin C to treat signs of aging, as well as additional antioxidants and sunscreen to prevent aging, it works great as a great hand cream year-round!

3. Towel dry and moisturize immediately after bathing

Kunin recommends the [easyazon_link identifier=”B0009ET3SC” locale=”US” tag=”cosmeticswiki-20″]Aquis bath towel[/easyazon_link] ($16.99, [easyazon_link identifier=”B0009ET3SC” locale=”US” tag=”cosmeticswiki-20″]Amazon.com[/easyazon_link]) which “looks like a towel, but works like a sponge” to quickly remove water fro the skin before evaporation has an opportunity to dehydrate it.

4. Switch between two different kinds of body moisturizers

After you towel dry, increase the moisture content in your skin by applying the right moisturizers immediately.

For the body, Kunin recommends switching between creams. Use “passive protectants” during dry periods to hydrate and enhance the skin barrier, like [easyazon_link identifier=”B0000ZHGZ2″ locale=”US” tag=”cosmeticswiki-20″]Eucerin Cream[/easyazon_link] ($15.70, [easyazon_link identifier=”B0000ZHGZ2″ locale=”US” tag=”cosmeticswiki-20″]Amazon.com[/easyazon_link]) or [easyazon_link identifier=”B0036BDZ9I” locale=”US” tag=”cosmeticswiki-20″]Vanicream Moisturizing Skin Care Cream[/easyazon_link] ($5.95, [easyazon_link identifier=”B0036BDZ9I” locale=”US” tag=”cosmeticswiki-20″]Amazon.com[/easyazon_link]). Then, when skin is more calm, switch to an “active moisturizer” to exfoliate and soften the skin, like [easyazon_link identifier=”B000TTPZQ6″ locale=”US” tag=”cosmeticswiki-20″]AmLactin 12% Moisturizing Cream[/easyazon_link] (pictured above; $14.99, [easyazon_link identifier=”B000TTPZQ6″ locale=”US” tag=”cosmeticswiki-20″]Amazon.com[/easyazon_link]) or [easyazon_link identifier=”B000FJU4HK” locale=”US” tag=”cosmeticswiki-20″]DERMAdoctor KP Duty[/easyazon_link] ($36.00, [easyazon_link identifier=”B000FJU4HK” locale=”US” tag=”cosmeticswiki-20″]Amazon.com[/easyazon_link] ).

In addition, according to the University of Iowa, particularly red patches should be treated with a cortisone gel for 5-15 days. One particularly helpful piece of advice featured in this article said that, if it makes your skin redder and itchier than it was before, you should stop use and talk to your doctor.

5. Evaluate your environment

Humidifiers can help to infuse dry fall and winter air with much-needed moisture.

As A Result…

Don’t let the environment strip your body’s skin of much-needed moisture in the winter. Limit the time and temperature of your showers and baths, use bath oils and hydrating shower gels, towel dry and moisturize immediately after, switch between moisturizers, and try to get a humidifier. These five steps should help alleviate that dry skin! 🙂

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