Anyone can get dry skin, but with the right care, it’s avoidable. Dry skin is most common during the fall and winter, when cold temperatures, low humidity, and harsh winds strip moisture from the skin. By following these simple tips, you can help your skin retain moisture and stay hydrated all season long.
Take Warm, Not Hot Showers
While hot showers feel great, they aren’t great for your skin. Hot water robs your skin of its natural moisture. Instead, try taking lukewarm showers and limit them to once a day. This rule applies to washing your hands as well—warm water is more skin-friendly than hot.
Moisturize Immediately After Showering
The best time to apply moisturizer is right after you shower. Apply your cream within five minutes to lock in moisture. Opt for a cream rather than a lotion, as creams are thicker and contain water in oil, providing better hydration. Lotion, on the other hand, is oil in water and is less effective. Use thicker creams that come in tubes or jars instead of pumps.
Invest in a Humidifier
The winter air is often dry and lacks humidity, especially if you have a fireplace. A room heated by a fireplace has less than 10% moisture in the air. Consider investing in a humidifier to add moisture to the air and keep your skin from drying out.
Exfoliate Regularly
Exfoliating your skin is key to allowing moisturizers to work effectively. Exfoliate regularly to remove dead skin cells and allow fresh skin to absorb moisture. For facial exfoliation, try Clarisonic’s Facial Cleansing Brush along with a glycolic acid face wash like Glytone’s Self-Foaming Acne Cleanser. For smooth, hydrated skin, try Avéne Emollient Cleansing Bath.
Skip Drying Soaps
Avoid drying soaps such as anti-bacterial, bar soaps, or anything that lathers too much. Stick to creamy cleansers with moisturizing ingredients like glycerin or petrolatum. For the body, try Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Body Wash, and for the face, use Avéne’s Extremely Gentle Cleanser. Don’t forget your lips—Eucerin’s Aquaphor Healing Ointment works wonders for dry, cracked lips.
