Have skin that’s flaky, itchy, or as red as Rudolph's nose? These are all common symptoms of xerosis, or in layman's terms, dry skin. Dry skin can happen for any number of reasons.
It's a side effect of skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis. It can also result from dry weather, swimming in a chlorinated pool, or washing your hands too often.
Even though dry skin is rarely a sign of something serious, it can be uncomfortable and make it hard to go about your day. Luckily, dry skin usually goes away with time. There are also plenty of methods for relieving unwelcome symptoms. Here are three helpful tips to relieve and get rid of dry skin.
Keep It Moisturized
The best way to combat dry skin is with skin-care products that trap moisture inside your skin to keep it hydrated and healthy. Ideally, you should apply moisturizer immediately after washing your body or hands.
What kind of skin-care products are best for dry skin? Stick to ointments, creams, lotions and gels that use naturally derived plant oils whenever possible, and avoid the use of emollients derived from petroleum, such as petrolatum. And make sure to use products that are gentle and free of fragrances. Products with antibacterial additives, deodorants, or harsh chemicals can hurt your skin more than they help.
Avoid Hot Water and Over-Washing
Do you frequently bathe, shower, or wash your hands with hot water? This can wreak havoc on your poor skin! Another helpful tip to relieve and get rid of dry skin is to avoid hot water and over-washing.
Hot water eats away at your skin's natural oil barrier. Overuse of shampoo and soap can do the same thing. Your skin has a hard time retaining moisture without its natural oil barrier and will inevitably dry out over time.
It's best to stick to one short and warm bath or shower a day. Only wash your hands before and after meals or after using the bathroom. Using gentler shampoos and soaps can also help reduce skin dryness.
Avoid Allergens and Irritants
Did your dry skin mysteriously appear after you went shopping for a new shirt? You might be allergic to the clothes. Does it always appear after you go swimming? You could be sensitive to chlorine. Does it happen every time you shower? The product you use could contain harsh and irritating ingredients.
If there's a pattern to your skin dryness, it's probably the result of an allergen or irritant. A board-certified dermatologist can help you narrow down the source of your discomfort by performing a special allergy test. Once you know what's causing your dry skin, avoid it. This might mean steering clear of the public pool in summer or simply swapping out the skin-care products you use.
Max Green Alchemy is dedicated to providing customers with natural, gentle skin-care products that keep their skin soft and hydrated. For aloe shower gel and other products that can help combat your dry skin, shop with us today.