The most common reason for xerosis, or dry skin, is environmental. Winter air, excessive bathing or home heating systems all work to pull moisture from the skin. Dry skin is uncomfortable. It can flake and burn, but it affects your appearance, too, with wrinkles and premature aging on the face. Regardless of what is giving you troublesome dry skin, a combination of treatment approaches will help hydrate skin cells and alleviate the problems that come with this condition.
Step 1
Set up a humidifier to increase the moisture in the air. Systems in the home will dry out the room air and add to dry skin problems all over your body. Set up portable humidifiers in highly traveled rooms or have a humidifier system added to your central system.
Step 2
Cut back on the amount of time you spend bathing and the number of times you wash your face. Excessive bathing removes oils from your skin. This oil works to seal moisture in place. The Mayo Clinic recommends limiting bath or shower time to 15 minutes or less. Keep the water warm instead of hot and moisturize skin immediately after getting out of the tub. Do not dry with a towel. Apply the moisturizing lotion over the bath water.
Step 3
Purchase soaps that have an oil or fat base. Soaps with antibacterial agents or deodorants can be drying. Instead, look for soaps that contain oil or fat and advertise as a moisturizer. Many facial cleansers add oil to the skin while removing dirt and makeup.
Step 4
Moisturize before going out into cold weather. Cold air will zap the skin of moisture. Apply a lotion or Vaseline to any exposed area on your face. Cover lips with a Vaseline base to protect them.
Tips and Warnings
- If you have done everything possible to clear up dry skin with no luck, it is time to see the doctor. Some medical conditions can cause dry skin. For example, thyroid disorders will affect the activity of oil glands and dry out skin.
- See the doctor if skin is red or swollen. Open areas on skin can lead to life-threatening infections. Follow the instructions on portable humidifiers for proper cleaning to avoid bacterial or fungal build up.
Things You'll Need
- Humidifier
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