If you moisturize your dry skin regularly, but it continues to bother you, the experts at Krauss Dermatology can recommend a variety of strategies, from dermatologist-recommended products to recommendations about cleansing and other strategies, to leave your skin smoother and more hydrated than ever before.
Why is My Skin So Dry Even When I Moisturize?
You apply moisturizer to your dry skin, but your skin remains dry and possibly itchy, tight, dull, or flaky. One possibility is that you are using the wrong moisturizer for your skin type and issues. Dry skin requires special care to seal hydration in and prevent moisture loss. However, your dry skin may refuse to go away for other reasons, including:
- Seasonal dry air
- Moisture-stripping cleansers
- Medication side effects
- Frequent hand washing, bathing or swimming
- Allergic reactions to products you are using
- Eczema or atopic dermatitis
- Genetics
Many people apply moisturizers to their dry skin, but a crucial part of dry skin care is maintaining your skin’s natural moisture balance.
What Causes Dry Skin?
Dry skin occurs when the skin loses moisture. Some people experience it every year when cold weather arrives, bringing drier, moisture-sucking air from our heating systems. You might experience it year-round or only in response to many other factors. Fortunately, many people see their dry skin improve as a result of making some minor changes. If you try all at-home methods and you do not see results, you may need to visit the specialists at Krauss Dermatology for a customized treatment plan.
How Do I Moisturize Dry Skin on the Body?
At Krauss Dermatology, we have found that you may be able to resolve your dry skin issues by trying some of the following strategies. If these do not fix your problem, a consultation with a dermatologist may help.
Over-the-Counter Products
Your moisturizer should contain no fragrances or other irritants that can dry out your skin. We recommend Avene Xeracalm Balm or Eucerin Eczema Relief Balm as excellent first choices. We also recommend that you change your cleanser to a gentle, non-drying one like Eucerin Skin Calming Body Wash or Cetaphil Restoraderm. Avene Xeracalm Cleansing Oil can help very dry or irritated skin, even in infants. Avene products can be purchased in the Krauss Dermatology offices.
Natural Treatments
You may want to start your dry skin treatment with natural methods. Sunflower oil and cold-pressed coconut oil have been shown to improve dry skin and eczema. Sunflower oil can be used as a massage oil, and coconut oil has antibacterial properties. These products are not recommended for the face, or in acne prone areas such as the chest in some patients, as they can cause clogged pores and blemishes.
Medications
Some people find that over the counter medications such as 1% hydrocortisone ointment or oral anti-allergy medications can help control the itch and irritation that can accompany dry skin. Use them according to package instructions.
Visit a Dermatologist
If you continue to have dry skin problems after trying these steps and eliminating other causes, you may benefit from a consultation with a dermatologist. A skin specialist can determine whether your dry skin has treatable underlying causes and develop a skin care regimen to help keep your skin hydrated, comfortable and soft.
Take the Next Step
If you have further questions about dry skin or eczema, we encourage you to schedule a consultation at Krauss Dermatology with one of our board certified Dermatologists. Call us at (781) 416-3500 or fill out our online contact form. We look forward to taking care of you.