What's Causing Your Dry Skin?
5. Losing Shower Moisture continued...
Quick Fix: Lock in Moisture
"I recommend that you towel-dry off but still leave the skin a little bit moist," Dr. Stein Gold says. Apply moisturizer to still-damp skin, she suggests.
What kind of lotion should you use? Rub on a rich cream containing ingredients such as soothing ceramide for sensitive skin, or urea, lactic acid, dimethicone, or petroleum jelly (petrolatum) for very dry skin. These products "will seal moisture into the skin and create an effective skin barrier," Silverberg says.
Your face needs different moisturizing than your body. Smooth on a noncomedogenic face lotion -- one that won't clog pores and cause breakouts. Pick a moisturizer that incorporates an SPF 30 sunscreen. "Moisturizer with sunscreen addresses both dryness and sun protection," Silverberg says.
6. Aging
As hormone levels change over the years, skin becomes thin and parched.
Quick Fix: Smooth Out the Years
You can't turn back the clock, but you can minimize aging skin changes. Start each morning with a generous rub of a rich face and body cream. To minimize wrinkles while you relieve dryness, look for ingredients such as alpha hydroxy acids and retinol.
Not in the habit? Keep a bottle of lotion next to your bed so it's the first and last thing you see each day.
7. Irritants
Is your favorite sweater making you itch? It could be the fabric, fabric softener, or the detergent you're washing it in. Lots of everyday fabrics and products can irritate skin -- from dryer sheets to perfume.
Quick Fix: Set Products Free
"Free" is the key word when buying any type of cleaner or beauty product. Pick products that are labeled fragrance- and dye-free, and that are specially formulated for sensitive skin.
Wear clothes made of soft, natural fabrics -- cotton and silk instead of wool or polyester. Line your bed with cotton percale sheets for a gentler touch while you sleep.
8. Your Health
Is your skin especially scaly and red? It could be a skin condition, like atopic dermatitis or psoriasis. It can also be a symptom of diseases such as diabetes or an underactive thyroid gland.
Quick Fix: Target Treatment
When dry, red skin won't go away, see your doctor to discover and treat the cause. The solution may be as simple as taking a medication or using a prescription cream.
No matter what the cause, dry, itchy skin isn't something you should have to live with long-term. If you've tried a few different moisturizers and they're not helping, or the irritation is getting worse, see your dermatologist.
