Top 5 Recommendations for Dry Skin

Dry skin affects us all at some point or another. Various reasons from your environment can cause dry skin; the weather, certain medications, and genetics can all play a role in the health of your skin.

Dry skin can be uncomfortable and lead to flaky and itchy skin. Many people become self-conscious about flaky skin and seek out help from their dermatologist when symptoms persist. When dry skin is left untreated or is unresponsive to treatment, it can develop into atopic dermatitis (also known as eczema). Although atopic dermatitis is not contagious, one in 10 people will develop it during their lifetime.

Dry skin can be treated! For minor cases of dry skin, you can take a few simple steps to rehydrate your skin. Start by looking for moisturizing skin products that contain certain ingredients, including ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and petrolatum, to use as an emollient to help restore the skin barrier.

Because our skin is the first line of defense for our basic immune system, maintaining a healthy barrier for your body is important. Dry skin is more likely to break open, leaving you vulnerable to infection. So, protecting the skin barrier is a great first step.

The following five steps can help you deal with dry skin issues at home.

Taking Lukewarm Showers

Hot water can be very drying for the skin. Taking lukewarm showers or baths with mild cleansers can be gentle on the skin. Patting the skin dry and being more tender to the skin helps your skin recover.

Apply Moisturizer

Using a moisturizer is a helpful way to restore the moisture level in your skin, especially after washing or bathing, and before going to bed. Applying moisturizer judiciously over the skin at least twice daily can help to restore the skin’s natural moisture levels. Ointments and creams are preferred over lotions (Lotions usually contain alcohols, which can dry the skin by evaporation and are not as beneficial for hydration of the skin).

Check Skin Care Ingredients

In the world of skincare, labels can be deceiving. Typically, the best products for the skin are fragrance-free and made of simple ingredients. Any lotion that contains alcohol can cause dehydration of the top layers of the skin. Look for ingredients that will benefit your skin and help restore its natural moisture retention qualities. Specifically, try to avoid retinoids.

Avoid Alcohol And Stay Hydrated

Drinking alcohol can be very dehydrating for the body. Avoiding this and being proactive about drinking plenty of water will help keep your body hydrated and functioning optimally.

Choose Hypoallergenic Detergent

For patients who suffer from sensitive skin or dry skin, chemicals in everyday laundry detergents can be very irritating. Hypoallergenic tends to be dye-free and fragrance-free cleaning products. It is also a good idea to avoid non-irritating fabrics as well. When your skin is suffering from any condition, even dryness, providing your body with optimal conditions to heal is the best thing you can do.

Dry skin affects millions of people each year, and in most cases, simple lifestyle changes and adjustments can help your skin to its healthiest. However, if you have tried these steps and you’re still struggling with dry skin, it might be time to see a dermatologist. At Mahoney Dermatology Specialists, we have been helping Floridians treat and care for their skin by providing comprehensive dermatology services since 2007. We want you to feel comfortable in your skin; if you need to speak to a dermatologist, contact us today to set up your appointment.