7 Tips for Dry Skin

About dry skin

It’s that time of the year again! Santa is bringing everyone drier skin, medically known as xerosis. Dry skin can cause itch and subsequent scratching can trigger skin rashes. For those who have a tendency towards eczema, this can tip them over the edge and cause an eczema flare.

Here are 7 tips for healthy winter skin:

1. Moisturise, moisturise, moisturise. You might need to up your moisturising game: a thicker, greasier moisturiser and larger amounts applied. Look for ointments and creams rather than lotions. If you plan to take a long haul flight for your Christmas holidays, moisturise the whole body just before stepping on the plane.
2. Avoid certain ingredients in your face creams such as retinoids and AHA/BHA if your skin is particularly dry. Or use these ingredients every other day instead of daily.
3. Wear gloves and a scarf to protect your hands and neck. Don’t forget to cover the ankles by wearing long socks.
4. Carry a hand moisturiser and lip balm in your handbag. Moisturise your hands every time after you wash them. If your lips are dry, don’t lick them as this can worsen them, but apply lip balm. If lip balm is not strong enough, use Vaseline on your lips.
5. Choose lukewarm water over cold or hot. Don’t shower for too long. After your shower, gently pat the skin dry and lock in some moisturiser straight after the shower. Same rules apply for hand washing.
6. Don’t overheat your house. Keep the temperature around 20-22 degrees Celsius. You can also add moisture to your home by using a humidifier.
7. Add some moisture from the inside out by increasing your water intake. Also remember that alcohol further dehydrates you so for every glass of alcohol have at least one glass of water!