Dry skin can occur for many reasons. People living in hot climates or cold climates will experience dry skin. People who live in areas with low humidity can experience dry skin, as well as those who experience seasonal changes in weather.
Dry skin can be simply annoying or painful if it becomes extreme. Treating it should be a first priority. However, what you treat your skin with is as important as the treatment itself. There are different types of lotion or remedies that you can use to help treat the type of dry skin that you are experiencing.
Oil Based Creams
Dermatologists recommend that any lotion that you select should be oil-based instead of water-based. While water-based lotions are more easily absorbed into the skin, thy not provide as much relief for dry skin as oil-based products. Oil-based lotions will work its way down into the skin and stay for longer periods of time. These same dermatologists recommend that you apply the moisturizer right after showering and then throughout the day to problem areas.
Skin Protectants
Using an oil based skin protection product can also ease the effects of dry skin or prevent it from occurring. These protectants are often petroleum jelly based. You can simply purchase petroleum jelly and coat the areas that may be exposed to extreme temperature changes or are beginning to become dry. Another option is to use Crisco. The fat in Crisco will actually heal your dry and damaged skin and protect it from further damage.
Barrier Creams
Barrier creams will help protect dry and damaged skin by placing a “shield” around your skin while it heals. These creams are often thick and greasy, but they are very effective. Some of the preferred choices for barrier creams include: Eucerin Calming Crème, CereVe Moisturizing Cream, and Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream.
Shielding Lotions
Shielding lotions act much like the barrier ad protector creams, however, they are lighter and less greasy to the touch. Shielding lotions are quickly absorbed into the skin and do not wash off. Some of the preferred choices for this type of protection include: Glove in a Bottle and Skin MD Natural. These lotions will protect the skin while helping it to recover.
Health And Beauty Regiment
One of the most important things you can do for your skin is to have a skin-friendly health and beauty regiment. While you may not be able to control the weather and the effects it has on your skin, you can control how healthy your skin is which will help it fight off dryness.
The first thing that you should do is make sure that you stay hydrated. Your skin needs a lot of water to remain healthy. Drink your recommended amount of water each day for your skin and your overall health.
Be careful of the cleaners and chemicals you may use around your home. These chemicals can quickly dry out skin. Cleaners and bath products with high levels of perfume in them can also be very detrimental to your skin.