How to Moisten your Skin
There are a couple of things that can affect your skin and make it dry such as low humidity, harsh weather, and pollution. Here’s how to keep your skin from drying out.
Dry skin can cause wrinkles and fine lines, as well as make your skin flake, itch, crack, and bleed at times.
The American Academy of Dermatology suggests the following tips on how to moisten your skin:
Mindful baths and showers
- Don’t bathe/shower for longer than 10 minutes
- Don’t use hot water (warm water is fine)
- Use gentle, fragrance-free soaps and cleansers
- Don’t overuse a cleanser (apply enough to get rid of dirt and oil but don’t create a thick lather)
- Don’t scrub dry with a towel (blot gently instead)
- Immediately after drying with a towel, apply moisturizer
Moisturize
- Moisturizers (ointments, creams, lotions) trap existing moisture in the skin
- For moisturizers to be effective, apply them immediately after washing
- Whether you’re washing your face, hands, bathing, or showering, use a moisturizer within a few minutes
Ointments, creams, and lotions
- Use creams and ointments over lotions
- Creams and ointments are less irritating and more effective than lotions
- Use creams and ointments that have shea butter or oils such as jojoba oil or olive oil
- Look for the following skin-soothing ingredients: urea, dimethicone, lanolin, petrolatum, lactic acid, hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and mineral oil
- To greatly help relieve dry skin, carry non-greasy hand cream with you and apply after each handwashing
Lip balm
- Use lip balm that feels good on the lips
- Avoid lip balms that cause irritation (as some healing lip balms do)
- Avoid lip balms that make your lips sting or tingle after applying them
- Petroleum jelly (Vaseline) is also helpful
Unscented skin products
- Avoid skincare products that are too harsh on the skin
- Products that contain fragrances, alcohol, retinoids, and alpha-hydroxy acid are harsh on the skin 9especially dry and sensitive skin)
- Instead, opt for unscented products to help retain the skin’s natural oils
Gloves
- Use gloves to reduce dry, raw skin
- Put on gloves when going outdoors in the winter
- Use gloves when performing tasks that will get your hands wet
- Put gloves on if there’s a chance of getting chemicals, greases, or other substances on the hands
Detergent
- Use non-irritating clothes and laundry detergent
- Use material made of cotton or silk under your clothes if they are rough on the skin
- Use hypoallergenic laundry detergent
Staying warm
- Avoid fireplaces or other heat sources
- Open flames and other sources of heat can cause dry skin
Air moisture
- Use a humidifier
If your skin is still dry after trying out these tips, you may need to see a dermatologist. Severe dry skin will need prescription ointments and creams and may be a sign of a skin condition.