Are you frustrated with how dry your skin gets at certain times of the year? Is the constant itchiness, flaking, and other irritating symptoms associated with dry skin "getting under your skin"?

If so, here are some skin shielding tips you can try:

1. When showering or bathing avoid hot showers at all costs (hot water dries your skin out)! Instead, try using lukewarm water. Limit bathing to no more than once per day for a duration of 15 minutes or less. If you bathe too frequently you will remove the natural oils from the skin, thus causing dryness.

2. Use moisturizing shower gels and bath additives instead of soap when washing; they don't strip the skin of its natural oils like soap does. If you must use soap, here are some recommendations: Dove, Olay and Basis. Avoid deodorant soaps (they are often very harsh and drying).

3. Avoid vigorous use of a washcloth when cleansing. When toweling, blot or pat dry (do not rub) so there is still some moisture left on the skin.

4. To lock in moisture from your bath or shower, you should apply moisturizer to your skin while it is still damp. If you have severely dry skin, apply a moisturizer at bedtime. Moisturizers and oily creams are good. There is no reason to buy expensive fragrant creams.

5. Depending on how dry your skin is it may be best to use a relatively thin moisturizer lotion or cream in the summer and switch to a thicker, oilier moisturizer in the winter. Heavier moisturizers should be used around problem areas like the hands, elbows, knees and feet.

6. For areas that are exposed to the sun (face, ears and hands) use a daily sun block with SPF 15 or greater.

7. When washing your clothes, use a fragrance free detergent such as "All-free". Avoid using fabric softeners, especially in the dryer.

8. Avoid wearing clothing made of wool or other "scratchy" fabrics. Use cotton percale sheets on your bed.

9. Don't forget to drink plenty of water and other liquids to keep your skin moist from the inside as well.

10. Use a humidifier in your home during the winter season when your central heating system is in use. If sweating causes itching, modify your activity and surroundings to minimize sweating.

There you have it, the 10 steps you can take to make dry skin a thing of the past... regardless of the season!

Since dry skin is often a symptom of something else, e.g. inflammatory skin conditions such as eczema and dermatitis, or in women an early sign of a hormonal imbalance, prolonged bouts of dry skin should be evaluated by a physician. As always, if I can be of assistance, give my office a call.