Keeping your skin moisturized will help to ward off signs of aging by helping to prevent fine lines and wrinkles. Using a moisturizer is one way to ensure that your skin remains supple. However, there are other things you can do to ensure that your skin does not dry out or become irritated. Here is a look at what you need to know.
Use a Humidifier
Using a humidifier — especially in the winter — is a great way to ensure that your skin does not dry out. Make sure you buy one that lets you comfortably set it to a certain percentage. The higher you put it, the more moisture will be expelled into the air. This will benefit your skin, especially at night while you sleep.
Avoid Long Showers
You do not need to shower for longer than ten minutes. Anything longer will dry out your skin. Your skin has a natural oily layer, and the longer you bathe, the more moisture will be stripped from your skin. Always use lukewarm water and not hot water. Hot water can wash away the natural oils in the skin and cause more drying.
If you do take longer showers, try to use a soap-free cleanser. Avoid perfumed soaps, products with alcohol, and deodorant soaps. All of these will strip moisture out of your skin. You should also use fragrance-free laundry detergents whenever possible and avoid fabric softeners since these will cause irritation and dryness in your skin.
Be as Gentle as Possible
Use bath sponges and loofah sponges as sparingly as you can. These can help to irritate sensitive skin. When you bathe, make sure that you do not rub your skin dry — it is better to pat it dry. If you do get extra dry and itchy skin, then the best thing to do is to use a cold compress to relieve the itching. The itchiness may be due to a need for moisturizers. Check your clothing as well — it may be that what you are wearing is causing the itchiness. If your clothing contains acrylics and rough wool, it can irritate sensitive skin.
Taking care of your skin and preventing it from drying out is essential. You should also take care not to do things that will irritate your skin. Try to be as gentle with your skin as possible. Rubbing and scratching it should be avoided. Contact a dermatologist in your area to learn more.