Taking Care of Dry Skin

Dry SkinYou can bundle up in the winter to keep out the chill and wear sunscreen and a hat to protect yourself from the sun – but there is nowhere to hide if you have dry skin. Dry skin isn’t just annoying and unsightly; if it isn’t treated right it can lead to more skin problems, such as an eczema flare-up or even an infection if bacteria gets into cracked, dry skin. Fighting dry skin may feel like a losing battle, but there are some things you can do. 

Tips for Preventing and Treating Dry Skin 

These things may help skin that is dry and easily irritated:

  1. Stick to skin products that are labelled “fragrance free.” This is different from “unscented,” which means it may contain ingredients that just mask the scent of other ingredients, and these can dry out sensitive skin. Also, avoid products with alcohol, retinoids, and alpha-hydroxy acid.
  2. Do, however, use lots of moisturizer immediately after you take a shower or a bath, which can help to keep moisture in the skin. Also apply moisturizer after you wash your hands (each time throughout the day) or face. A thick ointment or cream is better than lotion for moisturizing. Try one with mineral oil, jojoba oil, petrolatum, or hyaluronic acid.
  3. When you do take a shower or bath, use warm instead of hot water, and don’t stay in for more than 10 minutes. Also, using so much body wash that it becomes a thick lather can dry out your skin’s natural oils – use just a small amount. And, when you get out of the shower, blot at your skin gently instead of rubbing it dry.
  4. Using hypoallergenic laundry detergent can also help, because clothes washed with this detergent are less irritating to skin.
  5. Use humidifiers in your home and office.
  6. When doing a task that involves water, don’t forget the rubber gloves to protect your hands!

Take care of your skin by protecting it, treating it right, and by calling Stockton Dermatology in Phoenix, AZ, if you need some extra skin-care help. Call (480) 610-6366 for an appointment today!

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