Dry skin is a very common problem, especially during the winter months in colder climates. These helpful tips can ward off the winter dryness, which often gets itchy.
- Use a Gentle Cleanser
Harsh soaps can be very drying and irritating. A non-soap cleanser, or syndet, is closer to the skin’s natural pH and less disruptive to the complex network of skin cells. There are many options available, including products made by Vanicream, Cetaphil, Cerave, Dove, as well as many more.
Conversely, anti-bacterial soaps are more disruptive to the skin cells and skin’s natural structure. This can result in dry, scaly and irritated skin. However, everyone’s skin is different, and some people have more sensitive skin than others
- Use Luke-Warm (NOT Hot) Water
While it may feel good at the time, hot water is hard on the skin. It can be drying and worsen inflammation in the skin. It may feel good initially, but in the long term it over all is irritating and worsens dryness and inflammation.
- Moisturize as Soon as You Get Out of the Shower
Pat skin dry and then apply good moisturizer (more on this below) head to toe while skin is still damp. Moisturizers don’t necessarily add moisture, but rather they trap it in. Apply moisturizer quickly and generously to all skin.
- Choose a Good Moisturizer
Creams and ointments are more moisturizing than lotions. Choose a cream – it usually comes in a tub or jar instead of a pump (usually lotion). Or, you can use an ointment, which is even more moisturizing than a cream. Ointments are best if you can tolerate them – they are thick and greasy (like petrolatum, which is an ointment). Fragrance free products are less irritating and gentler on the skin.
Commonly recommended creams and ointments can be seen in the photo above. When you are using something that comes in a jar or tub, be careful with contamination of the jar if you are prone to skin infections. Rather than repeatedly dipping your hands in the container and touching the skin and then dipping again, you can use a spoon or tongue depressor and set out how much you will need for a given application on a plate or lid and avoid contaminating the entire jar.
- Consider Using Robathol Bath or Shower Oil
This product helps maintain the skin’s normal condition by supplementing the protective action of skin oils. It can be used in bathtub, shower, or basin bath. It is commonly recommended for dry skin associated with atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, ichthyosis, winter itch and more.
Note: be careful, the oil can make your bathtub slippery. This is not a permanent phenomenon and can be easily cleaned.
- Water is Good as Long as You Moisturize Afterward
Daily or every other day baths or showers are generally recommended. The water followed by a good moisturizer is good for your skin. However, if you don’t moisturize after bathing, water will dry out your skin.
So, lather up then immediately lube up with a good moisturizer and beat the winter dryness and itch!
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