Best Way To Treat Dry Skin

Dry skin is an issue people of both sexes face. Dry skin has multiple causes that are hard to identify. On rare occasions, dry skin can be a symptom of a more serious issues. Normally, dry skin is caused by environmental factors, like high heat, that strip the skin of its moisture. This can range from heat, hot showers, arid climates, and harsh soaps or lotions. Thankfully, there are many at-home remedies to try as well as seeing a dermatologist about your dry skin.

Petroleum Jelly

Petroleum jelly is a common solution to dry skin, especially in older adults. It is also commonly known as mineral oil. This substance protects the skin by trapping moisture in and preventing dry out due to heat. It is especially effective for irritated skin patches.

Coconut Oil

Coconut oil contains emollient properties. Emollients create a smooth surface on the skin by filling in areas between skin cells. They are commonly found in saturated fatty acids, which occur naturally in coconuts. Coconut oil on the skin can hydrate dry skin and smooth out rough, weary skin. Coconut oil should be used daily on all areas of your face. Be especially careful when applying to sensitive areas, like the under eye area and around your mouth. Coconut oil, while smelling good, does not need to be mixed with other ingredients.

Oatmeal Baths

While a little sticky, oatmeal is a common remedy for irritated skins. Studies show that grandmothers across certain cultures have been passing on this skin treatment for generations. Why? Because it works. Oatmeal includes antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties that work to quell irritation in the skin. Use oatmeal when feeling particularly itchy, or just in a bath to moisturize your skin and create a healthy barrier. Oatmeal baths can be done at home by using a food processor to chop oatmeal into a powder and then put it into warm water. Alternatively, oatmeal products can be dipped in water to form a soak for certain areas of your skin.

Changing Shower Habits

By reducing heat in the shower, dry skin will improve almost immediately. Hot showers can relieve tension with a slightly burning sensation, but that exact sensation will scald the skin and cause damage. Pay attention to the soap products used, since some cause the opposite effect than the healing properties they claim. Try out different products and take shorter showers with warm, not hot, water.

Gloves

Hands experience the most contact with environmental irritants. Dry, calloused skin on the hands result from interaction with dish soap and laundry detergent. Dry skin can also occur when temperatures drop and work occurs outside, in the cold. Wearing gloves while doing chores or outside will reduce the irritation of your hands. Healthy, moisturized skin is important not just for your face.

Humidifier

Humidifiers in your home will reduce the dryness caused by home heating systems. Gas and electric heat strips moisture from the air, and a humidifier at 60 percent will lessen this effect. A humidifier will prevent damaging effects on the skin and help you maintain a healthy, glowing look for your daily life. Humidifiers also have multiple proven benefits, like causing easier sleep if you or a partner snores.

Unscented Facial Products

When your skin is dry, stop using rough, scented skin care products like deodorant soaps and other products that contain alcohol, fragrance, retinoids or alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA). Before trying new products, test products that are labeled fragrance-free on your wrist to see if your skin has a reaction. Other common fragrances that cause allergies are cinnamic alcohol, cinnamic aldehyde, eugenol, hydroxy-citronellal, geraniol, isoeugenol and oakmoss absolute.

Non-Irritating Clothes and Detergents

If your dry skin is on a sudden onset of driness, new clothes, time by a fireplace or extensive time in chlorinated water can be a cause. Check what you are putting into contact with your skin and choose soft products. Choose non-irritating clothes and laundry detergent. Wear cotton or silk under rough clothing, like those made of wool. Use laundry detergent that is hypoallergenic to reduce irritation from clothes as well.

With one or multiple of these at-home treatments, your skin should improve quickly. Supple skin can improve your self-image and reduce embarrassing roughness and marks. If these remedies do not bring relief or make your skin worse, consider seeing a dermatologist. In rare cases, very dry skin can require prescription ointments or be a sign of skin conditions that require medical attention. To treat your dry skin at home, these easy tips will soothe away your problems.

Dr. Donald Roland, MD is a cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgeon certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. Dr. Roland is recognized as one of the top plastic surgeons in New York.