Skin can become dehydrated for many reasons, such as aging, sun exposure, low humidity, smoking, stress, hot baths and overuse of soaps, antiperspirants and perfumes. The Mayo Clinic reports most cases of dry skin respond well to lifestyle changes and home treatments. You should see a doctor if the dry skin is persistent or accompanied by redness, if you have open sores and infections from scratching, if you have large areas of peeling or scaling skin or if the dryness and itching are keeping you awake at night.
Moisturizers
Moisturizers are the first line of defense against dry skin. Use moisturizers to reduce the loss of water from your skin and soothe dry areas. The Cleveland Clinic reports moisturizers come in ointments, creams and lotions. It explains that ointments are mixtures of water in oils such as lanolin or petrolatum. Creams are made of oil and water, but water is the main ingredient. You need to apply creams more often than ointments. Lotions are made of powder crystals dissolved in water. Lotions feel cool and don't make you feel greasy, but they provide the least protection and need to be reapplied most often. The Mayo Clinic recommends thick moisturizers, such as Eucerin and Cetaphil. To get the most from your moisturizer, apply it to slightly moist skin immediately after bathing. Look for makeup with moisturizers, too.
Soaps
The wrong soap can help dehydrate skin. If dry skin is a problem for you, avoid soaps with deodorants and antibacterial agents. Opt for mild soaps that have added oils and fats. The Mayo Clinic suggests brands such as Neutrogena, Basis or Dove. It may take some experimenting to find the right soap for you. A good rule of thumb, according to the Mayo Clinic, is to see how your skin feels immediately after cleansing. It should feel soft and smooth. If it's tight and dry, look for another product.
Humidifiers
If you've noticed that your skin tends to dry out more when the heater's running in the winter, you might want to use a humidifier in your home. Low humidity can contribute to dry skin, itching and flaking. To put more moisture back in the air, consider purchasing a portable home humidifier or a whole-house humidifier that attaches to your furnace.
Water
Water can help or hurt dry skin, depending on how you use it. Medline Plus, a service of the U.S. Library of Medicine and the National Institutes of Health, recommends drinking plenty of water throughout the day to increase skin and body moisture. But don't overdo it when it comes to putting water on your body. Medline Plus recommends that people bothered by dry skin cut back on baths and showers. When you do bathe, use warm water---not hot---and keep baths and showers short. Gently pat skin dry when you get out. Don't rub.
