If you are one of the many Americans who suffer from dry skin, you may find yourself dreading the winter weather. Cold, dry air can certainly make dry skin worse. Although it is tempting to hide indoors until spring, it just isn’t realistic. Below are a few tips and tricks for winter dry skin relief.
7 Ways to Provide Winter Dry Skin Relief
- Stay hydrated: Dehydration can cause your skin to appear dry. If you are battling dry skin, up your water intake. The more hydrated you are, the more hydrated your skin will be.
- Remove harsh soaps: Soaps made with harsh chemicals can dry out your skin. Opt for fragrance-free and mild soaps that are gentler on the skin.
- Shower Wisely: Keep showers short and avoid hot water. Hot water is known to dry out skin, so opt for a nice lukewarm temperature and limit your shower time to 5 minutes or less. While in the shower, avoid scrubbing your skin with coarse sponges or cloths and instead use your hand or soft cloth when washing.
- Pat Dry: Drying your skin with a towel removes moisture from your skin, resulting in dry skin. Try patting dry and leaving your body damp so that your skin can absorb the extra moisture.
- Moisturize: Applying a thick moisturizer after showering or bathing is key. A good moisturizer helps to recondition the skin and can provide winter dry skin relief.
- Cover Up: When venturing outdoors this winter, try to cover exposed skin to the best of your ability. Wear a hat, scarf, and gloves when possible.
- Run a Humidifier: If dry air is to blame for your dry skin, running a humidifier in your home can make all of the difference. A humidifier adds moisture to the air and will provide winter dry skin relief.
If you have tried all the tips above and you are still suffering from dry skin, a trip to the dermatologist is recommended. At times, dry skin can be caused by an underlying medical condition. If you fear this may be the case, do not hesitate to get evaluated by a professional, such as the dermatologists at Blue Ridge Dermatology Associates. The dermatologists at Blue Ridge Dermatology are experts in dealing with skin conditions, such as winter dry skin.
When to See a Dermatologist For Dry Skin
If you are experiencing any of the symptoms below, contact your dermatologist today.
- Dryness and itching that interferes with sleep
- Open sores from scratching
- Large areas of scaling or peeling skin
- The skin appears red
- There is no improvement in dry skin after treatment
Learn More
If you are experiencing winter dry skin, there is relief. Visit the Blue Ridge Dermatology dry skin page to learn more and request an appointment with Blue Ridge Dermatology today. Your skin will thank you.
