With the dry air seen in the Winter, people are more susceptible to having dry skin or flares of eczema. Here are some simple tips that can help keep your skin well-moisturized.
- Shower no more than once daily. NEVER use hot water.
- Use a mild soap, like Dove fragrance-free soap. Pure soaps or those from “specialty stores” should be avoided. Try using soap only where needed (groin, armpits, under the breasts) most of the time.
- It is best to apply moisturizer immediately after showering, while the skin is still moist.
- Never sit is soapy bath water. Use soap immediately before exiting.
- Oils and Ointments are better than creams, which are much better than lotions.
- Good examples of moisturizer include: Eucerin cream and Cetaphil cream, both of which are readily available. For those who just cannot stand putting anything on their skin, Nivea In Shower Lotion for Severely Dry Skin (dark blue bottle) is good for those that have mild dryness and are not overly sensitive. For those on a budget, Crisco oil works great as a moisturizer too and is easy to spread.
- Use laundry detergents and fabric softeners that are mild–“free of dyes and perfumes”. Dreft and Ivory Snow, for babies, is a good alternative.
- Avoid irritating clothing–i.e. wool.
- Apply perfume or cologne to clothing and not directly to the skin, as these contain alcohol which is irritating.
