Skin Care > Moisturizers for Dry Skin
Dry skin is no fun. The older we get, the drier it becomes, not because it lacks oil but because it lacks water. So treatment means replacing water in the skin as well as the environment.
Bathing and showering should be brief and not too hot using only a mild, superfatted soap or a non-soap cleanser. The skin should be dried by patting rather than rubbing and then moisturized immediately while it is still moist.
Moisturizers are complex cocktails of chemicals designed to make the outermost layer of the skin (the epidermis) softer by increasing its water content by retarding evaporation. They can also protect sensitive skin and mask cosmetic imperfection. Most regular skin moisturizers on the market, however, are much too light to treat really dry skin.
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Many dermatologists prefer Vanicream ™ or CeraVe ™, both available over-the-counter. For severe dryness a prescription or over-the-counter urea or lactic acid based product may be used.
Lotions and creams should be applied throughout the day. When shaving, always use a shaving cream, change your blades often, and shave in the direction of natural hair growth. In dry climates, a humidifier can help slow evaporation off the skin.
Very dry skin can lead to a condition known as dermatitis that may require a cortisone cream from a dermatologist. Too much cortisone can thin the skin and make things worse, so be sure to use this only under supervision.
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