Tips to tackle itchy and dry skin during the winter season – Hear it from the expert

No skin condition is more distracting than dry and itchy skin. Most people face this problem in the winters but the rains and summers can also cause the skin to dry up. Medical dry skin is also known as xerosis and it happens when the skin cells are not able to retain the protective moisture that keeps the skin supple and glowing.

Dry skin causes itchy skin and when not treated or controlled in time can become rough, old looking, and feel red, and raw and even lead to further dermatological issues like dermatitis, bacterial infections, skin discolouration, eczema, and disfigurement.

What can I do?

Moisturizing is the key to controlling dry skin but not all store-bought treatments can be effective therefore consult your dermatologist for the right treatment plan include the following in your skincare routine

1. Switch from the pump to jars. Think moisturizers that come in jars and tubes are much more effective than pump bottles. Read the ingredient list and it should contain ceramides, glycerine, hyaluronic acid, silicone, mineral oil, and sorbitol. These ingredients are lock in the moisture on the skin and prevent dryness.

2. Limit your baths/ showers to under five minutes. Anything more than that will dry out the skin and rob it of the natural oils that are much needed to keep the skin looking good.

3. If your skin is extra dry then move a step up from moisturizers to emollients that contain linoleic and lauric acids for more effective results.

4. Petroleum jelly should always be there with you. Make sure you carry a small jar of petroleum jelly with you at all times. When you feel dryness just rub some on dry areas of the skin. Don’t overdo the jelly otherwise, you will end up with greasy skin.

5. Pat dry your skin after the bath and immediately apply moisturizer as it will keep the moisture locked and prevent clogging of pores.

6. Soap is a big no-no. Soaps are drying and disturb the pH level of the skin making it too dry and itchiness even worse. Switch to gentle cleansers for the face and body.

7. Moisturize the air in the space your work and live in. Use a humidifier to prevent the air from becoming dry and thus help the skin reload moisture.

8. Choose fabrics that love your skin. Cotton, silk etc. love the skin and wool irritates the skin and may cause outbreaks.

9. Use sunscreen regularly it will save your skin from ageing too. Give preference to cream-based sunscreen instead of simple lotions.

10. Include fruits, grains, seeds, and nuts in your diet to reduce skin inflammation and hydrate the skin from inside out.

There are some simple home remedies that you can use at home to aid faster healing and prevent a dry skin relapse.

• Use an olive oil cleanser: This is a very simple and cost-effective method to moisturize the skin is to use a little olive oil. Rub some oil on the dry skin and cover the area with a damp cloth till it becomes cool. Remove and wipe the excess oil and you are good to go.

• Make a soothing oatmeal bath using crushed oatmeal mixed with warm water and soak in it for a few minutes.

• Use milk in two ways. One is to drink milk daily to improve the skin tone and the second is to use raw milk compress on the skin. Soak a piece of cloth in cold raw milk and apply it over the dry areas. Leave it for 5-10 minutes. It will help soothe the irritated skin.

• Oatmeal, honey, and a pinch of turmeric make an excellent hydrating and soothing mask. Gently exfoliate the skin with the mix and leave it on for 15 minutes before washing.

Keep a close eye on the triggers that cause dry skin or cause the skin to itch. Try to avoid these triggers. The right combination of dry skincare products will help you maintain hydrated skin and keep the wrinkles and fine lines away too.