One of the unfortunate effects of aging skin is that it is more prone to dryness and cracking. Dry skin, or xerosis, may also be due in part to environmental factors like cold, windy and dry air. While xerosis is generally not serious, it can nevertheless be bothersome and unattractive. In many cases the problem can be successfully controlled with moisturizers and other home remedies.
Moisturize
Returning and preserving moisture is the goal of dry skin treatment. You can relieve dry, cracked skin with heavy, oil-based moisturizers that contain urea, lactic acid or propylene glycol.
The Mayo Clinic notes that these chemicals help keep your skin moist. In some cases ingredients can cause skin irritation, so you may want to consult with your dermatologist before selecting a moisturizer.
Oils
Oils may help restore moisture to severely dry and cracked skin. Oils that are frequently applied directly to the skin include baby oil, mineral oil, vegetable oil and sunflower oil.
Petrolatum & Petroleum Jelly
Petrolatum is an ingredient in many lotions, creams and ointments because it's an excellent moisturizer for dry skin, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. Petrolatum is an oil derivative that prevents the evaporation of moisture by forming a film on the skin's surface.
If commercial moisturizers are not accessible, pure petroleum jelly can be applied to dry, cracked skin. Moisten your skin with warm water for at least 5 minutes before gently rubbing on a thin layer of petroleum jelly.
Bathing Precautions
Treating dry, cracked skin means bathing or showering only once per day for nor more than 10 minutes. Showers are generally better than baths when you have dry, cracked skin, according to the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinic. This is because soaking in a tub is more likely to increase the loss of your skins natural oils and only intensify dryness.
Soaps & Scrubbing
Use a non-abrasive soap, cleanser or soap substitute to gently cleanse your body. Make sure you do not scrub your skin. Pat yourself dry and immediately massage a moisturizer into the skin to help seal in water. Continue to moisturize your hands and other areas of the body as needed throughout the day to relieve dryness.
Member Comments
Distress April 12
I'm a 45 year old women who once had oily skin but has now combination skin with very dry cheeks, due to over steaming my face. I'm finding it very difficult to find makeup which won't irriate my skin. How can i put the moisture back into my skin without making it worse.