1. Use Better Bathing Methods
Change your bathing ritual to be more kind to your skin. Frequent long, hot showers and baths can dry your skin, causing xerosis. Bathe healthier by taking them less often, for shorter periods (about 15 minutes is plenty) and using warm water. If you can, take baths instead of showers, as baths allow your skin to absorb more water. Once clean, don’t rub yourself dry, just pat. And while your skin is still damp, apply a good, thick moisturizer that is oil-based, not water-based. This will help trap the moisture in your skin tissue.
2. Regulate Your Climate
When the weather is dry and cold, use a humidifier in your home as your skin will be especially thirsty. And be careful not to overuse your heating system: the dry, forced heat will add to your skin’s struggle to stay hydrated. The same goes for using too much air conditioning in the summer, which dries out the air in your home. Your skin will already be battling more exposure to the sun, whose heat not only dries out your skin but also causes deeper harm. So take precautions when you are getting more sun by staying in the shade, using moisturizing sun block and applying lip balm.
3. Raise a Glass
Hydrating your skin from the inside will go a long way toward keeping it healthy. Drink plenty of fluids, preferably water, and reduce your intake of caffeine and alcohol, as these will only dehydrate your body.
4. Baby Your Skin
Care for your skin the way you would for a baby’s by using mild soaps, shampoos and fragrance-free moisturizers. If you must use deodorant soaps, use them only where needed, such as your armpits. Also, try to wear only soft, non-irritating, breathable, natural-fiber clothing (like cotton) next to your skin. Although wool is a natural fabric, it does tend to irritate, so try not to wear it directly against your skin.
