Treating Dry Skin

Many factors can cause dry skin.First, think of where you live.Do you reside in a dry climate?Or, think of the season.Is it winter where you are?If so, the quality of the air may cause what little moisture there is to be leeched out of the skin.You may not be able to choose where you live, and you certainly can't control the weather.However, you can change the condition of the air in your home by using a humidifier.You can purchase one at most drugstores, department stores, and retail stores.Even supermarkets often sell humidifiers.It is important to remember to refill the humidifier often, as well as cleaning it properly or changing the filter.Humidifiers come with or without filters, and may emit a hot or cool mist.Choose the one that is right for you.Hot steam may be more helpful in cold weather, whereas a cool mist is obviously more desirable in hot climates.Be sure to follow the cleaning and operating instructions included with your humidifier.

Humidifiers aren't the only method to help a dry skin condition.Not only can the quality of the air you breathe affect your skin, but so can the quality of your water supply.Not only can the quality of the air you breathe affect your skin, but so can the quality of your water.The water in some towns or cities may be laden with drying chemicals such as chlorine.Chlorine is the most drying agent in water.That is why it's important to rinse off and moisturize your skin if you're a swimmer.If your town or city water supply contains too many chemicals, especially chlorine, there are measures you can take.First, how do you know what the quality of your water is?There are two ways to determine this.One, you can buy a water quality testing kit at a store.This involves dipping a specially treated paper strip into the water and comparing the results of the color-changing strip to the key located on the box of the kit.This kit will measure various levels of chemicals such as lead, chlorine, and others.The other way to determine water quality is by smell.When you take a bath, does it smell like pool water or some other unidentifiable chemical?If so, you'll want to invest in a shower head with a built-in filter, filtered bath ball, and/or sink faucet filters.These can all be purchased either online or in retail stores.Various brands are available.Make sure to change the filters when necessary.

Even still, there are other factors which may be drying out your skin.Drinking enough water is one of them.You should be drinking six to eight glasses of decent quality water, such as filtered, spring, or well water daily.Each glass of water should be about eight ounces of water, or one measuring cup full.Be sure to drink additional glasses of water if you feel thirsty of before, during, and after exercising.Keeping your body hydrated from the inside will help your skin on the outside.Eating enough fruits and vegetables, included in a healthy diet, may also help increase your moisture level, as these types of foods are composed mostly of water.Also, be sure not to drink more than one to two cups of coffee or alcohol daily, as caffeine and alcohol both dehydrate the cells of your body.Or, drink a glass of water along with each cup of coffee or alcohol you consume.

The method in which you bathe or shower may also contribute to drier skin.Taking a very hot bath or shower will dry out your skin due to the heat pulling the moisture from your pores.Taking quicker, warm not hot baths or showers will allow you to cleanse your skin without the drying effect.Using a moisturizing body wash and/or body moisturizer immediately after washing will help lock in moisture.Washing too often can also cause dryness.It may destroy the natural pH balance of the skin.Using the correct moisturizer is pertinent to keeping your skin soft.Anything too light or perfume-like may not be moisturizing enough.However, if your skin is prone to body acne, you will need an oil-free one, at least on those particular areas.If your skin is sensitive, look for the word "˜unscented' on the bottle.Most people can handle a thicker, creamier moisturizer to treat their dry skin.

If you follow all of the above advice and your skin is still dry, you may consider seeing a dermatologist.There are certain skin conditions, such as eczema or psoriasis, which can create dry, scaly, itchy, and/or red patches.It is recommended not to try to treat these types of skin conditions yourself.See the dermatologist.He or she will examine your skin, determine your skin condition, and may prescribe a special cream or ointment and/or give you specific instructions on how to treat or care for your particular skin condition.This article is only meant to help with normal skin dryness.

Now you have the knowledge to treat your dry skin.Even if you end up at the dermatologists' office, you don't have to feel ashamed.Dry skin is common and can be taken care of with persistence.Keep at it and your skin will be under control.