Are you battling dry skin? Here are some tips to help you find relief:

1. Moisturize 3-4 times every day!
Lotions are mostly water and can actually dehydrate the skin as the water evaporates. Creams are half water and half oil, so they provide better moisture with less evaporation. We recommend brands such as Aveeno, Eucerin, CeraVe, Curel, Neutrogena or VaniCream. Ointments are 80% oil and 20% water but do not provide moisture and are best used to seal in moisture within 3 minutes after bathing. Crisco shortening and Vaseline are good ointments or Aquaphor is sold in most stores.

2. Avoid hot showers and baths!
As good as it may feel at the time, exposure to high temperatures causes skin to dry out quickly.

3. Have a drink!
Of water, that is. Caffeine causes dehydration, so substituting a few glasses of water for your usual soda, coffee or tea every day can help hydrate you inside and out.

4. Keep it simple
Chemicals in scented products can irritate dry skin and cause itching. Body wash, skin care products, soap, laundry detergent, perfumes can be heavily scented and aggravate skin that is already stressed.

5.  Don’t scratch!
If you have a severe case of dry skin, try hydrocortisone 1% cream or ointment to “hot spots” for 3-5 days.

If dry skin is severe, you may need to visit our office for evaluation.

Hopefully, these tips will help you cope through the dry winter months – your skin will thank you!