Easy and cheap ways to moisturize itchy, dry skin
Dry skin occurs when the skin doesn’t retain enough moisture. This can occur consequently of frequent bathing, use of harsh soaps, aging, or certain medical conditions. And for those living in colder climates, it may well come from cold, dry winter air.
During the winter months within the Northern Hemisphere, you could suffer from red, rough, raw and itchy skin. That's because cold winter air means less humidity, outdoors and indoors. The water within the epidermis (the outermost layer of the skin) reflects the moisture level around it. Fortunately, there are lots of easy and cheap things you possibly can do to alleviate dry winter skin, also often known as winter heat or winter xerosis.
Even for those who live in a component of the world where cold winter air isn't currently—or ever—a priority, most individuals might want to manage dry skin sooner or later. These suggestions for keeping skin soft and healthy may help anyone who struggles with dry skin, from cold New England to Hawaii and beyond.
Retain moisture within the skin
Skin moisturizers, which rehydrate the highest layer of skin cells and seal in moisture, are step one in combating dry skin. They have three principal kinds of ingredients. Humectants, which help attract moisture, include ceramides (pronounced ser-A-mids), glycerin, sorbitol, hyaluronic acid, and lecithin. Another combination of ingredients — for instance, petroleum (petroleum jelly), silicone, lanolin, and mineral oil — helps seal that moisture into the skin. Emollients, similar to linoleic, linolenic, and lauric acids, smooth the skin by filling the spaces between skin cells.
In general, the thicker and oilier the moisturizer, the more practical it’ll be. Some of essentially the most effective (and least expensive) are petroleum jelly and moisturizing oils (similar to mineral oil). Because they don't contain water, they're best used when skin continues to be damp from bathing, to seal in moisture. Other moisturizers contain water in addition to oil in various proportions. They are less greasy and will be more cosmetically appealing than petroleum jelly or oil.
What are you able to do about dry skin?
Here are some ways to combat dry skin that will be effective if practiced consistently:
- Use a humidifier in winter. Set it to about 60%, a level that ought to be enough to fill the highest layer of skin.
- Limit yourself to five to 10 minutes of bathing or showering every day. If you shower greater than this, you possibly can remove many of the skin's oil layer and lose its moisture. Use lukewarm water as a substitute of hot water, which may wash away natural oils.
- Minimize the usage of soap. If obligatory, go for moisturizing preparations like Dove, Olay, and Basis, or consider soap-free cleansers like Cetaphil, Oilatum-AD, and Aquanil. Avoid deodorant soaps, scented soaps, and alcohol-based products, which may strip away natural oils.
- To avoid damaging the skin, keep away from bath sponges, scrub brushes and washcloths. If you don't need to abandon them completely, make sure you use a lightweight touch. For this reason, pat or blot (rub) the skin while towel drying.
- Apply moisturizer immediately after showering or washing hands. It helps plug the spaces between your skin cells and seal in moisture while your skin continues to be moist.
- Rub a small amount of petroleum jelly and thick creams into your hands to cut back greasiness after which rub it on the affected areas until your hands or affected areas feel greasy.
- Never, ever scratch. Most of the time, a moisturizer can control the itching. You may use cold packs or compresses to alleviate itchy spots.
- Use fragrance-free laundry detergent and avoid fabric softeners.
- Avoid wearing wool and other clothing that irritates your skin.
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