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The 3 Best Ways To Treat Dry And Itchy Skin

There are times when your skin will become dry and itchy. It’s a common problem that affects a lot of people. One thing that they all share is the discomfort and embarrassment from having skin that gets flaky and looks dull and scaly. Having a good skin care routine will go a long way toward making sure that your skin stays hydrated and healthy.

It takes some understanding of the cause of your dry and itchy skin to be able to take care of it. Once you understand these things, you can get to the root of the problem and take measures that will help reverse the problem. In this article, we will go over several tips to help you take care of your dry skin.


1 - Use skin care lotions

When you’re looking to take care of dry skin, finding the right moisturizers and cleansers is key to keeping it happy and healthy. Moisturizers are key in helping your skin hold onto moisture, especially those formulated with ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and natural oils.

Ceramides are fats that are a part of your skin's barrier, helping to keep moisture in and irritants out. Hyaluronic acid is an ingredient that is good at attracting moisture to your skin, keeping it hydrated throughout the day. Natural oils, such as coconut oil, jojoba oil, and almond oil, are excellent for deeply moisturizing the skin without clogging pores.

It's important to pick a skin care product that suits your skin type. For very dry skin, thicker creams with ceramides can be a game-changer, while those with slightly dry skin might prefer lighter lotions with hyaluronic acid. If you enjoy a hint of fragrance, look for a scented body lotion that contains these hydrating ingredients, but make sure it doesn't irritate your skin. Applying moisturizer right after bathing can help lock in moisture, making your skin feel even smoother.

Just as important as moisturizing is cleansing your skin without stripping away its natural oils. Gentle, hydrating cleansers are the way to go. Look for cleansers that are free from harsh soaps and chemicals, which can dry out your skin even more. Products labeled as hydrating or for sensitive skin often contain ingredients that help maintain your skin's natural moisture balance.


2 - Use bath products

Oatmeal baths are a simple and effective remedy for soothing itchy skin. They're especially good for conditions like eczema, psoriasis, or just general dryness. The oatmeal used in these baths is not the kind you eat for breakfast, but rather colloidal oatmeal, which is oatmeal that has been ground into a very fine powder. This powder mixes with water easily and creates a milky, soothing bath that helps calm irritated skin.

Avoid using soap or other cleansers during the oatmeal bath, as these can irritate your skin and negate the soothing effects of the oatmeal. After your soak, gently pat your skin dry with a soft towel to avoid rubbing off the protective layer the oatmeal bath has left on your skin. You don't need to rinse off after an oatmeal bath. Allowing the residue to remain on your skin can provide additional relief and protection.

Epsom salt baths can help soothe dry, itchy skin by removing dead skin cells and relaxing muscles. The magnesium in Epsom salt can also help reduce inflammation. Add about two cups of Epsom salt to warm bath water and soak for 15 to 20 minutes. This can be particularly soothing for sore muscles as well as dry skin.

3 - Change your laundry routine

When it comes to laundry, the detergents and fabric softeners you use can have a big impact on your skin's health. Many traditional laundry products contain fragrances, dyes, and other chemicals that can exacerbate skin dryness and irritation.

Looking for hypoallergenic laundry detergents is a wise choice for those with sensitive skin. These detergents are formulated without the harsh chemicals found in regular detergents, making them less likely to cause skin reactions.

You should also avoid using fabric softeners, as they can leave a residue on clothes that may irritate dry or sensitive skin. Instead, try using wool dryer balls to soften fabrics naturally. They can also help reduce drying time and static without the use of chemicals.

When you buy new clothes as somebody who suffers from dry skin, you should first wash them before wearing them. New fabrics may contain formaldehyde and other chemicals used during manufacturing, which can irritate the skin. Washing these items before their first use helps remove these irritants.