How Do I Treat Dry Skin?
January 6, 2009 by rainier
Moisturizers work well to treat dry skin. Choose a moisturizer that is hypoallergenic (it should say so on the label). The best moisturizers are also the most “gooey.” Ointments (or oils) are best, followed by creams, and then lotions. Petroleum jelly (one brand name: Vaseline) is an excellent skin lubricant, but it can be messy to use.
Put a moisturizer on your skin 3 or 4 times during the day. Put moisturizer on right after you wash or bathe. This will hold in the moisture from the water. If you have very dry hands, put petroleum jelly on them before you go to bed at night and sleep with your hands in cotton-lined gloves.
Changing your bathing habits can also help. If you bathe too often, it may dry out your skin. Try to take short, lukewarm baths or showers. Oatmeal baths (one brand name: Aveeno) may be soothing to dry skin. After a bath or shower, pat your skin dry and put a moisturizer on your skin right away. Use a mild soap every day to clean your genital area and under your arms. Only clean other parts of your body 2 or 3 times a week with soap.
Some people use bath oils to help make their skin less dry. However, these oils can be dangerous because they make your tub slippery. To avoid slipping and falling, put the oil on your skin after you get out of the bathtub. Plain baby oil works well.
