Dry Skin Survival Guide

If your skin is dry, why not treat yourself to a little pampering? Your skin is your body’s shield against the world, and it deserves to stay soft and smooth. For a dewy look all over, try these head-to-toe pampering tips:

A long, hot bath may sound relaxing, but sitting in a bathtub can leave a dry, soapy film on the skin, and hot water can strip skin of moisture. Instead, take short showers using warm water, and wash with superfatted soaps (which are more skin-friendly than regular soaps) or moisturizing shower gels. Within three minutes of stepping out of the shower, while your skin is still damp, apply moisturizer to your body and allow it to soak in before dressing.

Pampering tip: Use hydrating moisturizers that contain petrolatum (also known as petroleum jelly) and shea butter to enhance the barrier function of the skin. Ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, dimethicone and glycerin can help draw water to the skin and hold it there.

—Laura Flynn McCarthy
Reviewed by Kimberly Bazar, M.D.