Hydrating Your Skin in the Shower or Bath
- Take shorter showers: Limit your shower or bath time to 5 to 10 minutes. Spending too much time in hot water can strip your skin of moisture.
- Use warm water: Avoid hot water, which can dry your skin. Instead, use warm water to help maintain your skin’s natural oils.
- Close the bathroom door: Keeping the door closed helps maintain humidity in the air, allowing your skin to retain more moisture.
- Use a gentle, fragrance-free cleanser: Choose a mild, fragrance-free cleanser that won’t irritate your skin or remove its natural oils. Use just enough to clean your skin without creating too much lather.
- Pat your skin dry: After your shower or bath, gently blot your skin with a towel instead of rubbing it. This helps prevent irritation.
Apply Moisturizer Immediately After Washing
After washing your skin, it’s important to lock in moisture by applying a thick moisturizer right away. Ointments and creams are better than lotions because they are thicker and more effective at keeping moisture in your skin. Look for products that contain ingredients like: At Neya Clinic, we recommend choosing moisturizers that cater to your skin’s unique needs, with key ingredients that help restore and maintain hydration, ensuring your skin stays soft and healthy.
- Jojoba oil
- Glycerin
- Hyaluronic acid
- Shea butter
- Petrolatum
Apply the moisturizer within a few minutes of drying off to keep your skin hydrated. If you have dry hands, carry a non-greasy hand cream and apply it each time you wash your hands.
Protect Your Lips
Dry lips are a common problem in the colder months. To keep your lips soft and prevent cracking, use lip balm or petroleum jelly. Choose a lip balm that feels soothing, and if any product stings or burns, switch to one that doesn’t cause discomfort.
Avoid Harsh Skin Care Products
Some skin care products, such as deodorant soaps and products with alcohol or fragrances, can make dry skin worse. Dermatologists recommend using gentle, fragrance-free products. Fragrance-free products are less likely to irritate your skin compared to products labeled “unscented,” which may still contain chemicals that can irritate.
Wear Gloves to Protect Your Hands
Our hands are often the first area to show signs of dry skin. To protect them, wear gloves when you go outside in the cold, when doing chores involving water, or when handling chemicals that could irritate your skin.
Choose Gentle Clothing and Detergents
Clothing made from rough materials, like wool, can irritate dry skin. Wearing cotton or silk under your clothes can help prevent irritation. Also, use a hypoallergenic laundry detergent to avoid chemicals that might make your skin worse.
Add Moisture to the Air
Using a humidifier in your home can help add moisture to the air, which in turn helps your skin retain hydration. If your heating system has a built-in humidifier, check to ensure it’s working, or use a separate one to prevent dry indoor air.
When to See a Dermatologist
If your dry skin persists despite these changes, it might be time to visit a dermatologist. Severe dryness may require prescription treatments, or your dry skin may be caused by a condition that needs medical attention. A dermatologist can examine your skin and recommend the best course of action.