Combating Dry Skin

Your doctor has probably told you that the key to combating dry, itchy skin is to moisturize.For many people this requires spending a lot of money on expensive moisturizing lotions or even prescription moisturizers that have to be applied repeatedly throughout the day.Fortunately, there are other, more natural ways to help treat and prevent dry skin.

The first step in combating dry skin is to understand what causes our dry skin in the first place.Our skin is made up of different layers, and the water content of each layer varies from one to the next.The very surface layer of our skin is called the stratum corneum, which is made up of dead skin cells.This layer had a water content of only 10-30%, which is considerably drier than the lower layer of skin, the epidermis, which has a water content of 80%.

When the stratum corneum gets too dry it produces what we recognize as "dry skin."When our skins water content lowers it will become dry to the touch and can even crack.Dry, cracked skin can lead to bacterial and fungal infections.This means that our dry skin isn't just ugly and itchy; it can actually lead to other health complications that require additional treatments or prescription medications.

Our skin is especially prone to extra dryness during cold, winter months.The regular use of indoor air heaters reduces the air's natural water content, leaving a "bone dry" feeling that can cause normally soft, supple skin to become red and itchy, and it can aggravate known skin conditions like psoriasis and eczema.It is very important to maintain proper skin moisture levels during these winter months in order to avoid the discomfort and potential skin infections caused by dry skin.

So what are some steps we can take, other than spending ridiculous amounts of money on creams and lotions, to combat dry skin?Fortunately there are some natural remedies and smart steps we can take to better protect our skin.

Avoid hot baths and showers:Hot water washes away our skins natural oils that help protect it from drying out too quickly.

Avoid harsh soaps: There are many soaps and detergents on the market today that are specifically designed for use with dry or sensitive skin.These soaps usually include additional moisturizers and are less likely to leave your skin feeling itchy and dry.

Don't bathe too frequently:Bathing more often than necessary also robs our skin of its ability to naturally moisturize itself.

Add oil to your bath water:If you insist on soaking in the tub, add a small amount of oil to the water.

Keep your furnace set to 68 degrees:Not only will lowering the temperature on your thermostat save you money on your energy bill, but it will help the air inside your home retain some of its natural moisture.The hotter the air is heated to, the less moisture it contains.

Use a humidifier:The use of a humidifier is especially beneficial during winter months when you are using a forced-air heating system to heat your home.If you choose to use a humidifier, be certain to set the humidity control to an appropriate level.The EPA recommends a relative humidity for indoor air of 30-50%.If you allow the air in your home to become too humid it can actually cause more problems, including mold, mildew, and bacteria growth.Also, be certain you follow manufacturer's guidelines concerning proper cleaning and maintenance of your humidifier.Humidifiers can be purchased as either furnace-mount units or portable units.Assess your home's individual needs before buying any piece of equipment.When used correctly, a humidifier can be an invaluable contribution in combating dry skin.