Dry skin affects many people and can cause discomfort, pain, and flaking. The skin is one of the major protectors of the body’s health, so it’s important for it to stay healthy. For some people, dry skin is an issue they’re born with. For others, a move from the East Coast to the West Coast might trigger dry skin. 

The climate, environment, pollution, and water quality of your home can all affect your skin, as well as your skin care routine. There are varying reasons surrounding why people develop dry skin at different times in life. 

Dry skin can be exhausting to deal with, and finding moisturizers that don’t irritate or make you feel slimy can be difficult. However, there are a few universal ways to approach a dry skin treatment plan. Consider these five things you should know about dry skincare.

Use hot water for steam

When your skin is really struggling with dryness, it can help to start with a deep steam clean to give you a fresh start. First, using hot water for steam can be very beneficial to dry skin. Before you step into the shower, run the hot water for a few minutes. Close the door to let the bathroom fill with steam a lot faster. 

As you use the steam to open your pores, it’ll be easier to remove dead skin and dirt that’s caked up on the skin. This will help you naturally clean and moisturize your skin. So start with hot water and take advantage of that steam.

Avoid hot water for showering and bathing

Hot steam makes a big difference for your moisture and skincare needs. However, when you get into the shower, turn the hot water into warm water. When it’s applied directly to the skin, hot water is extremely drying. While the steam opens your pores, the heat will prompt your skin to react and you may sweat away your moisture. 

Warm water will work perfectly for a refreshing shower that cleanses without drying the skin further. Once you’ve finished showering, enjoy a burst of cold water to refresh the skin, encourage blood circulation and more. By avoiding putting hot water directly on your skin, you will improve your body’s ability to retain its natural water content. So take it from hot steam, to warm water, to a cold splash to finish you out.

Find a good dermatologist

While it is very important to do all you can at home, it’s equally important to find a good dermatologist. Dry skin can have many causes, and if you have a genetic condition, you may find your best efforts aren’t able to solve it. You may find that no matter what you do, your skin continues to dry out or act up. Eczema, also known as atopic dermatisis, can be difficult to clear up through regular skincare routines. 

If you’re dealing with an issue such as atopic dermatitis disease, you will require a more intense and professional approach. If your skin care issue is more intense and extreme than what regular maintenance can handle, look for a reputable dermatologist in your area. Some signs of this issue are red, flaky skin that does not clear up with routine moisturizing.

Seal in moisture immediately after showering

After showering, it is important to moisturize and not dry yourself off too quickly. There are many in-shower lotion options available for hand and facial use. They’re extremely helpful for anyone who’s looking to lock in the moisture as soon as they step out of the shower. While your pores are open and your skin is really hydrated, slather on a ton of moisturizing lotion in order to seal the moisture in. This will help keep your skin naturally hydrated and soft.

Use natural ingredients

There are quite a few ingredients that work beautifully for those who have dry skin. Many people use coconut oil before bed. You can also try ingredients such as olive oil and sugar when it’s time to exfoliate your skin. Avocado, oatmeal and honey serve as great bases for any masks you’d like to concoct. By using natural ingredients, you will be sure that your skin is not being exposed to potentially harsh chemicals that dry it out.

While it’s true that every person is different, these are a few tips that can be applied to every person with dry skin. While the ingredients of a specific cream might trigger more bouts of dryness in one person over another, it’s important to find ingredients that will work specifically for you. As you fine-tune these tips to meet your specific needs, it’ll be easier to experience some relief.

Brooke Chaplan is a freelance writer and blogger. She lives and works out of her home in Los Lunas, New Mexico. She loves the outdoors and spends most of her time hiking, biking, and gardening. For more information, contact Brooke via Facebook at facebook.com/brooke.chaplan or Twitter @BrookeChaplan