3 ways to decrease dry skin

3 ways to decrease dry skin:

1. Add moisture to your skin:

Using a moisturizer regularly is one of the most important steps in restoring your skin’s moisture balance. It’s important to moisturize daily, and for those with dry skin or eczema, twice daily. Any moisturizer is better than doing nothing. But when given a choice, choose a product that’s hypoallergenic and fragrance free. It’s also important to choose a product that has barrier repair properties – helps the skin restore the normal barrier between itself and the outside world. While in the past it’s been said that ointments are better than creams or lotions, some of the new products can add the same amount of moisture without leaving a greasy residue.

2. Add moisture to your air:

This is especially important for those who live in dry climates or suffer through cold, dry winter months. Not only can dry and cold weather strip your skin of natural oils, using dry heat in your house makes it even worse. A simple solution is to add a humidifier to the heat or air conditioning unit. If that’s not a possibility, as in most apartments in New York City, adding a portable humidifier can help.

3. Showers matter:

One common reason or dry skin is long, hot showers. By turning the water temperature down and decreasing duration of your shower, you can protect your skin from becoming too dry. The soap you use in the shower is also important. “Real soap” can strip away skin’s natural oils and moisture. So unless you have real dirt on your skin, choose a gentle wash or cleanser. Soaps and washes that are fragranced can also irritate and dry the skin. An ideal body wash is fragrance free and is moisturizing.

More questions about your dry skin? See Dr. Goldenberg for a skincare consultation.

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