Dry skin can be a real pain, especially in the winter.  The air is dry, and that just pulls the moisture out of your skin more than ever.  This contributes to the “itchy feeling” we get with dry skin.  Ever feel like backing up to a corner of the wall to scratch your own back.  You know what I’m talking about.

Use the right moisturizer. We can help prevent dry skin by using the right moisturizer.  It really doesn’t have to be one of the fancy, high priced lotions on the market, but you need to look for some key ingredients.

Thinner lotions that may be ideal in the summer, may not be enough in the winter. Thin lotions tend to have water as a main ingredient and this water evaporates from your skin shortly after you put it on.  That is why it feels good for a while, but doesn’t last. Look for lotions that have oil as a key ingredient.  It may even be the main ingredient. Oil doesn’t evaporate like water.

Use a humidifier.  Speaking of evaporation, home humidifiers are great for skin health and will slow the evaporation from your skin. By putting moister in the air, you are slowing the evaporation of the moisture from your skin.  This makes perfect sense and is a real easy way to keep your skin healthier. Another trick is to allow the steam from showers and baths to escape your bathroom into the house to further boost the humidity.

Avoid hot water.  Another thing to look for regarding dry skin is hot soapy water. It is easy to see that hot water will take your natural oils off your skin more quickly than warm or cold water. Imagine trying to get an oil stain out of a shirt in the laundry.  The hottest water works the best because oils get thinner as they get hotter.  The same will happen to your skin.  Try to avoid long hot baths and showers if you have problems with dry skin.

Use little soap.  Soap is another big problem when combating dry skin. Use as little soap as you can and be certain to use a lotion or cream on your skin immediately after bathing or showering. Soap and hot water will remove oil faster than most things. .

See a dermatologist.  If your skin is cracked and red or if you are concerned about it, be sure to see a dermatologist. You could have an infection or some other disease of the skin. and you may need medications.

Don’t neglect your skin.  It is the largest organ in the body.

Do you have some other great tips for stopping dry itchy skin?  Let us all hear them. Leave a comment.