Daily Skin Care Routine For Dry Skin
- Soak and Seal. Right after you shower is the best time to “lock in” moisture into the skin, Use the heaviest lotion you're comfortable with. The greasier it is, the better. The better job it will do at trapping moisture. Use a lighter formula if you are prone to acne, on the parts of the body that you tend to break out.
- You still need sunscreen: Daylight, even dim, obscure daylight causes skin damage which means it slowly becomes less and less able to hold moisture or feel smooth. Sun-damaged skin has minimal ability to function in a normal, healthy manner.
- Limit your bath or shower time to 10 to 15 minutes, only once per day. Wash with comfortably warm (not hot) water, using a mild cleanser and not soap ( which can be very drying to the skin). Avoid long showers or soaking in a hot bath, especially with bubble bath soap.
- Use a humidifier to raise the humidity level. during the winter months. A humidifier can add moisture to the air.
- If you are an athlete, shower off quickly after a workout or game. Use warm water, and bring your own mild soap, since heavy-duty "gym" brands may be too strong. When you finish your bath or shower, pat your skin lightly with a towel to leave a light layer of moisture. Seal in this moisture with petroleum jelly or a thick moisturizer.
- Avoid overusing antiperspirants and perfumes, since these products can dry the skin.
- Rubber gloves for household chores and warm gloves for outdoors can help keep your hands from drying out
- If your lips start to feel dry, resist the temptation to lick them. Saliva is not a moisturizer. It removes oil and makes your lips even drier. Instead, you should use lip balm or petroleum jelly.
- Remember: Dry skin is rough and irregular, so there is more surface area from which moisture can evaporate. Which is why when you get dry skin it is more likely to get even drier.
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