Skin Care Hacks: 7 Tips for Treating Dry Skin at Home

The Northeast is experiencing its first cold snap this week. And with the lower temperatures and drier air comes dry, chapped skin. Dealing with dry skin can be uncomfortable and even painful. For the sake of your skin, it pays to know some shortcuts to smooth, soft and supple skin. We sought out the 7 best tips for treating dry skin at home, hopefully saving you a trip to the dermatologist while also saving you from some painful cracks.

1. Bring Back the Humidity – When the humidity in the air decreases, it’s time to invest in a humidifier. Regular use of a humidifier will add necessary moisture back into the air and into your skin. Find out about the best humidifiers and which one fits your lifestyle.

2. Wash Only Once – This may come as a shock, but during the fall and winter time, you get a free pass to wash your face only once a day–at night time. In the morning, just rinse your face with a splash of cold water. For the most gentle approach to cleansing, try swapping your lathering cleanser for a creamy facial cleanser. For an affordable, fail-safe gentle cleanser, try Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser.

3. Not so Hot – Hot showers and baths might sound like a dreamy treat, but when the air is dry, they can be enemy number one for your skin. Hot water is great at depleting your skin from its natural oils. Instead of turning up the heat, go for a warm bath or shower instead.

4. Shut the Front Door – Speaking of showers, close the door when you’re taking a bath or shower. This way, you’ll trap the steam in the bathroom and your skin can soak it in.

5. Moisturize Wet Skin – Don’t wait until your skin is dry after cleansing or showering to apply your moisturizer. The best way to lock in moisture is by applying your creams and moisturizers onto damp skin. This way you’ll trap all those water molecules onto the skin. Wait no longer than three minutes to apply your moisturizer.

6. Be Ingredient Savvy – Start reading skincare ingredients. Rather than just buying a lotion or cream because it says “fights dry skin” or some other marketing language, make sure it has ceramides, glycerin, shea butter or stearic acid, lactic acid, dimethicone, urea or mineral oil, all of which are excellent skin hydrators.

7. Lip Balm Should be your B.F.F. – Keep lip balm in every coat pocket as well as in your purse or backpack. The best way to treat dry, cracked lips is with a balm that will really seep into your lips. While good ole Chapstick can help, try petroleum jelly if your lips need more TLC.

If you think your dry skin is more than just dry skin, it could be eczema. Consult a dermatologist asap if your skin is inflamed, itchy and red or bleeding.