10 Ways to Prevent Dry Skin

byEileen Bailey Health Writer

Use precautions when in the sun

Make sure youtakepreventive measures, such as wearing sunscreen with at least an SPF of 30, stay out of the direct sun during the hours between 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM and wear a wide brimmed hat. Long sun exposure can dry out your skin.

Avoid products that contain alcohol

Check theingredientson the products you use, including insect repellants, sunscreens, astringents, toners and shaving gels, to make sure they don’t contain alcohol, which dries your skin. Look for sunscreens that contain added moisturizers instead.

Take extra care after swimming

Thechlorine in poolsand salt in the ocean dry out your skin. When done swimming, take a cool or warm shower (not hot) to wash off the chemicals and then liberally apply moisturizer to damp skin.

Turn up your air conditioner

The humidity during the summer helps to moisturize your skin.Air conditionerswork as a dehumidifier and pull the moisture out of the air. Staying in air conditioning all day can dry out your skin. Raise your air conditioner a few degrees to lessen the effects.

Exfoliate your skin

You shouldexfoliate your skinin the morning, before applying moisturizer. Removing the dead skin cells helps your skin better absorb the moisturizers.

Be sure to drink enough water

The best way tohydrate your skinon the outside is to start with the inside. Keeping your body hydrated keeps your skin moisturized naturally. Be sure to drink 8 to 10 glasses of water each day.

Keep baths and showers short and warm

Avoidhot wateras this strips your skin of natural moisturizers and limit showers or baths to 5 or 10 minutes.

Switch from lotions to creams

Look for creams that contain shea butter, mineral oil, petrolatum, glycerin, olive oil or jojoba oil to help keep your skin smooth. Creams are less irritating than lotions. Apply moisturizer to damp skin immediately after bathing or showering. Apply moisturizer to your hands every time you wash them.

Wear gloves with household chemicals

The chemicals in manyhousehold cleanserscan cause dry skin. Before doing any work with your hands, protect them by wearing gloves.

Stay away from products containing perfumes

These types of products oftenalso contain alcohol。寻找“无香”或“低变应原的“公关oducts to reduce irritation and drying. Use cleansers that are soap-less and fragrance free. Soap can strip your skin of natural moisturizers.

Meet Our Writer
Eileen Bailey

Eileen Bailey is an award-winning author of six books on health and parenting topics and freelance writer specializing in health topics including ADHD, Anxiety, Sexual Health, Skin Care, Psoriasis and Skin Cancer. Her wish is to provide readers with relevant and practical information on health conditions to help them make informed decisions regarding their health care.