Modern Women

Dry skin can be painful and unattractive. It commonly shows up as rough, red, and itchy patches in places of the body that show — arms, hands, lower legs, ankles. But it also shows up on the soles of the feet, thighs, and the abdomen. Taking initiative and using the right moisturizer and following the proper skincare routine can help if you have dry skin.

Some dry skin is hereditary and some comes with aging, as natural skin oils diminish. Some can come along with medical issues such as asthma or thyroid disease. But daily skincare habits such as washing with harsh soaps, using sanitizing or harsh cleansing agents, and scrubbing can also lead to dry skin or make it worse.

Since most dry skin is due to external causes, it responds well to external skincare treatment. Just making a couple adjustments to your daily skincare routine can help. No matter what the cause, there are numerous things you can do to make dry skin smooth and fabulous.

Hot water strips oils from the skin quicker than warm water. Long showers or baths commonly result in dried out skin. Try to limit yourself to a single 5- or 10-minute warm shower or bath each day. You should use unscented, soap-free, or mild soap cleansers instead of harsh cleansers. Pat your skin with a towel after you shower or wash your face or hands, leaving it damp. Use a moisturizer within three to five minutes of washing to lock moisture in your skin. Ceramides help the skin hold water and repair dry skin. Synthetic ceramides can mimic the natural substances in the outermost layer of skin that help keep moisture in.

Also, you should plug in a humidifier at home to help keep skin hydrated when indoor air is dry during winter months. Wear cotton and other natural fibers; wool, synthetics, or other fabrics can be scratchy and bothersome. Drink a decent amount of water and eat omega-3 foods. Important fatty acids can help fortify the skin’s natural oil-retaining barriers. For itching or inflammation, apply a cool compress or a hydrocortisone cream on the area for a week.

Is there anything else you would like to know about skincare? If you want to learn more about skincare tips and how a moisturizer can help you, contact Likewise Skincare now!. Unique version for reprint here: The Proper Skincare for People With Dry Skin.