Baths And Showers Can Worsen Dry Skin
Limit your time in the shower or bath to 5 or 10 minutes. Any longer, the skin’s oily layer can start to strip away and cause it to lose moisture.
Closing the bathroom door and using warm rather than hot water is best. It’s preferable to use a gentle cleanser and apply enough to remove dirt and oil. Less is more.
Applying Moisturizer Immediately After Washing
After coming out of the shower, blot the skin gently dry with a towel and apply moisturizer.
Since ointments, creams, and lotions trap existing moisture in the skin, they work best when applied after washing your face and hands or a shower or bath.
Ointments Or Creams
Lotions can be less effective than ointments or creams and can also be more irritating.
The best ingredients to prevent dry skin are usually found in creams and ointments, for example, jojoba oil, glycerin, hyaluronic acid, petrolatum and shea butter.
Avoid Irritants
Avoid wearing wool and other fabrics that feel rough on the skin. Wearing cotton or silk under rough materials is key.
Laundry detergent can be irritating. It’s best to stick to “hypoallergenic” laundry detergent and avoid fabric softeners.
Gentle, Fragrance-Free Products
Some skin care products can prove too harsh for dry, sensitive skin. It’s best to opt for fragrance-free products like soaps and deodorants.
If a product is labeled as “unscented,” it can contain chemicals that neutralize or hide the odors of other ingredients. These chemicals can irritate dry and sensitive skin, so it’s best to avoid them