Dermatological Dry & Dehydrated Skincare

How do I take a bath or shower without drying my skin out even more?

It's well known that taking baths and showers can dry your skin out excessively. Try not to take more than two showers or baths per day as a maximum. When humidity in the air drops and the air is very dry, especially in winter, close the bathroom door and windows when washing. Also use warm rather than hot water, as really hot water can dry your skin out even further. Use a very gentle cleanser to wash your body, and limit the time you spend washing to no more than 10 minutes. When getting out, apply a moisturising body motion while your skin is still damp.

What ingredients should I look out for in dry skin products?

If your skin gets very dry, you need to take great care in terms of what you apply to it. Look for nourishing oils like jojoba and coconut in the ingredients list, as well as cocoa and Shea butters, which are nourishing for the skin. Hyaluronic acid, lactic acid, lanolin and mineral oil are also very good for dryness.

How can I keep my hands from cracking and drying out when I wash them?

Whenever you wash your hands, you add moisture to them, but this moisture is then removed when you start to dry them, and causes hands to lose natural lipids. Restore these lipids by using a hand cream every time after you wash your hands. Shake any excess water off before drying them, and then add a hydrating hand cream to lock in the moisturiser. Damp hands will absorb moisturiser more effectively.

Does dry and cracked skin put me at a greater risk of infection?

Unfortunately, yes. Dry and cracked skin creates an opportunity for viruses and bacteria to get into the cracks, causing infection. If you have an open sore on your hands, moisturise immediately with a hand cream and place cotton gloves on your hands to protect them. Let the skin heal and when you wash your hands, replace your gloves.