Dry skin is a part of the aging process. As you grow older, your skin can no longer retain the moisture needed to make it feel silky smooth, says the American Osteopathic College of Dermatology. Solutions to dry, scaly skin aren't just found in a bottle of body lotion or jar of hand cream; simple changes in lifestyle and daily routine can help you combat it.
Other Causes
Aging alone isn't the sole cause of dry skin, which goes by the medical term "xerosis." Skin that's already problematic gets drier in the wintertime when exposed to the outside elements and drying central heating, says the AOCD. Other factors that cause dry skin include sun exposure, harsh cleansers that strip your skin of its natural oils, hot showers and baths and medical conditions such as psoriasis and hypothyroidism, according to MayoClinic.com.
Where to Start
Dry, scaly skin responds well to moisturizers, but the AOCD cautions that using the wrong lotions won't help your skin trap and retain moisture. Select an oil-based product rather than one that is water-based, the AOCD advises. If your skin is excessively scaly and dry, your treating physician may recommend that you buy a nonprescription product with lactic acid or lactic acid combined with urea, says MayoClinic.com. Another simple solution is to apply baby oil to your skin right out of the bath when your skin is more absorbent. Oil is even more effective than many moisturizers, according to MayoClinic.com.
Bathing and Showering Tips
Long, hot baths and showers can feel great and can make your skin feel moisturized temporarily, says the AOCD. But use lukewarm, not hot, water and keep bath times no longer than 15 minutes. Limit baths or showers to once daily. When cleansing, avoid strong deodorant soaps and harsh cleansers. Stick with mild soaps and cleansers. The AOCD advises using Dove, Olay, Basis, Cetaphil, Oilatum-AD and Aquanil brands. Avoid adding oil directly into your bath, cautions the American Academy of Dermatology; this creates a slipping hazard.
Lifestyle Tips
Put moisture back into the air of your home with a portable humidifier, suggests MayoClinic.com, but make sure to clean the unit frequently to avoid growth of bacteria and fungi. Wear clothing that feels comfortable against dry skin. MayoClinic.com suggests selecting natural, breathable fibers such as cotton and silk. Launder clothing in fragrance-free detergent and eschew fabric softeners, advises the AOCD.
Your Doctor's Help
More complex medical conditions such as psoriasis and ichthyosis may require use of prescription topicals, says MayoClinic.com. Excessive dryness may ultimately result in dermatitis, in which the skin is itchy and red, in which case your treating physician may recommend prescription lotions that contain hydrocortisone, as well as special dressings to ward off infection.
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