How to Avoid Dry Skin

With the arrival of fall and winter, we find the changing season bringing cold air right along with it. Cold air, for many, marks the beginning of two seasons full of miserably dry, itchy, and cracked skin. Every single patch of skin on your body has the potential to dry out. Fortunately, there are some things you can do to help avoid dry skin before it starts.

Know your problem areas. The first step you can take in being proactive against dry skin is to know your own body. Is there a certain area of your body that gets dry every single year? Mine is always the deltoid area of my left arm. I get three or four dry, flaky spots there before any other area on my body. Knowing your problem areas will allow you to treat them in advance.

Adjust your shower temperature. I know that a hot shower seems like the perfect start to a cool fall or cold winter day, but your skin begs to differ. Even though you're washing in water, the heat adds to the drying out of your skin. You don't have to take a cold shower on a frigid December morning, but you should start adjust your shower temperature so that it's not blistering hot. A warm or tepid shower is best for your skin.

Avoid harsh cleansers. What you use on your skin during your shower is just as important as the temperature of the shower itself. Many commercial body washes include harsh chemicals and fragrances. Try to find a gentler body wash, or a natural alternative. One example of such a body wash is Aveeno Colloidal Oatmeal, which is not 100% chemical free but also contains ingredients that are great for dry skin. A natural alternative is Arbonne's Not-So-Basic Body Wash, which is chemical and fragrance free. If you're on a tight budget, think about using a body wash designed for babies - they're always formulated with a lesser chemical quantity because the skin of a baby is so sensitive. In any case, find your new cleanser before your skin starts to dry out.