Dry skin occurs when there is not enough moisture in the skin, usually the result of oils being removed by excessive washing or a lack of humidity in the air. During the winter months, humidity is especially low. This can result in rough, dull, flaky, cracked and itchy skin. Although dry skin is most common on the arms, legs and hands, it can occur anywhere on the body. Dry skin is typically not serious, but it can be very uncomfortable.
Showering and Bathing
Excessive showering or bathing can cause dry skin by removing oils on the surface on the skin, especially in the winter months when skin needs extra moisture. Hot water can be drying for the skin, so baths and showers should be taken with warm water and for no longer than 10 minutes once a day. Mild soaps should also be used, and soaps that contain alcohol, a drying ingredient, should be avoided. Patting dry with a towel instead of rubbing dry after a bath or shower can retain moisture in the skin as well. For baths, adding some instant oatmeal can provide moisture and vitamin E for the skin.
Moisturizing
Similar to choosing a mild soap, a moisturizer should also be used that has no alcohol. Using a lotion or cream will trap nourishing oils on the skin, and using a moisturizer after showering or bathing will seal in water before it evaporates into the air. Applying a moisturizer before going outside will protect skin from the cold, dry air. A homemade moisturizer can be made by mashing half of an avocado and mixing it with one quarter cup of honey, or mixing one egg yolk, one teaspoon of olive oil and one teaspoon of honey. The kitchen ingredients in these homemade lotions are all natural moisturizers and are nourishing for skin.
Home Practices
Many people turn up the heat in their homes during the winter, which only increases the amount of dry heat in the air. A humidifier is used to put moisture and humidity back into the air, and can be especially effective in bedrooms in the evening where people spend several hours at a time sleeping. Having a supply of water and drinking it regularly throughout the day can also help by preventing dehydration, which can make skin even drier.
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