While dry skin may not be a life-threatening complaint, the irritation caused by dry skin can lessen your daily quality of life and should be taken seriously. The first step to getting rid of your dry skin is to understand and address its causes (see left). Allergies and other medical conditions may require stronger treatment than you can provide yourself (see bottom of page) and should be attended to quickly in order to prevent more serious symptoms. Typically, though, dry skin is the result of various environmental factors and can easily be treated with small changes to your daily regimine. Read on for help getting rid of your dry skin.
Dealing with Dry Skin
Moisturize regularly to get rid of your dry skin. This may seem like a no-brainer, but the most common cause (and treatment) of dry skin is a lack of natural moisture. Moisturize dry skin daily (or multiple times a day) with gentle lotions, creams, and soaps containing ingredients like cocoa butter, shea butter, olive oil, honey, palm oil, and petroleum jelly. Avoid products containing strong chemicals that can further dry out your skin.
Be gentle when washing your dry skin. Avoid soaps and chemicals containing harsh chemical ingredients, and use a soft cotton washcloth instead of an abrasive loofa or scrub brush. Don't scrub at your skin while washing; use a washcloth or your hands to softly pat your skin with soapy water and rinse. Excessively hot and steamy baths or showers can break down your skin's natural protective layer, so opt for a quick lukewarm shower while you're treating your dry skin.
Regular exfoliation can get rid of your dry skin. While persistenly scrubbing at your skin while bathing can be harmful, careful and regular exfoliation (the cosmetic technique of removing dead skin cells from the skin's surface) can actually help your skin replenish and moisturize itself naturally. The build-up of old skin cells on the skin's surface can block and irritate new skin cells, leading to dry skin and other skin conditions (such as acne). Cosmetic products designed specifically for gentle exfoliation, homemade exfoliating srubs (easily made from natural household goods), or a professional exfoliation treatment done by a cosmetologist can go a long way toward getting rid of your dry skin.
Don't use dull or old razor blades to shave your dry skin. Regularly shaved areas of skin -- such as the face, legs, and armpits -- are particularly susceptible to dry skin. After a period of regular use (2-3 weeks) razor blades become dull and are likely coated with old skin cells and soap or shaving cream residue, which increases the amount of pressure and friction needed to get a clean, close shave. This in turn increases the amount of irritation to the skin caused by shaving. If you shave regularly, change your razor blades often and always, always moisturize aftewards.
Protect your dry skin from harsh outdoor elements and weather. Exposure to the sun, hot air, cold air, and wind can all cause and contribute to dry skin. Moisturize before and after going outside for long periods of time and always use sunscreen with a strong spf. If you're going outside in particularly harsh conditions, cover as much of your skin as possible to minimize exposure.
Professional Treatment of Dry Skin
If your dry skin is not responding to the treatments suggested above, you may have a more serious skin condition that require professional treatment. A cosmetologist can evaluate your daily cosmetic regimine -- which moisturizers, soaps, etc. you use and how often -- and help you create a new regimine using higher-end products designed specifically for your skin type. A dermatologist can diagnose any medical conditions causing your dry skin. Possible conditions include allergies, exczema, psoriasis, and dermatitis. After diagnosing your dry skin, a doctor will be able to provide you with stronger, medicated creams and lotions to help you get rid of your dry skin.
