6 Easy Ways to Treat Dry Skin

Do you have dry skin?

If you do, you know the problems that come with it; itching, redness, feeling tight. But what causes dry skin? It can all be down to the environment. Windy days tend to dry skin out and so too do skincare products. If you use products that contain alcohol or other harsh chemicals these won’t be helping your dry skin.

Another condition that affects dry skin is dehydration. If you aren’t drinking enough liquid your skin isn’t getting the moisture it needs. This is because the skin is made up of 30 per cent water and it’s this moisture that helps to keep your skin from drying out.

The good news is though that there are things you can do to manage your dry skin Have a look at these 6 easy ways to treat dry skin.

Apply balm or moisturiser to your skin every day

If you have very dry skin use emollient moisturisers that don’t contain alcohol. Avoid soap too. There are plenty of soap substitutes available like E45 wash.

Ingredients that are good for dry skin include:

• Oatmeal
• Sunflower seed oil
• Honey
• Aloe Vera
• Coconut oil

Stay hydrated to treat dry skin

Drink plenty of liquids although try to avoid fizzy drinks or too much caffeine. The NHS advise us to drink between 6 and 8 glasses of fluid a day. They have a useful article about water and other drinks that you may find helpful.

Treat medical conditions

If you have a skin condition like Eczema or Psoriasis you may need medical advice. Most doctors will prescribe creams, ointments, or medication for these skin conditions.

Don’t overdo it in the bath or shower

It doesn’t take long to get clean in a bath or shower. Don’t spend too long in the water and make sure it’s not too hot because this will irritate your dry skin. Again, use bath gel or liquids that are designed for sensitive skin.

Watch your diet to treat dry skin

It is surprising how much food can affect your skin. If you eat a lot of processed foods and sugar you may want to cut down. A great way to treat dry skin is to consume more fatty acids or Omega-3 fats. The body doesn’t produce fatty acids naturally, so you need to get them from food.

You will find fatty acids in oily fish like mackerel, sardines, pilchards, and salmon, either fresh or tinned. Walnuts and seeds also provide fatty acids, so a handful of walnuts a day or some seeds sprinkled on your salad is a good thing. Vegetables too contain fatty acids. Try avocados, broccoli, spinach, and cabbage.

If you don’t like or want to eat fish or vegetables, you can take Omega 3 oil fish supplements in capsules. Ask your pharmacists to recommend a suitable brand.

Try not to get stressed

This Harvard Health blog tells us that studies show stress can have a negative effect on our skin and acerbate skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis. Try and make some time in the day just for yourself. Even if it is only half an hour. During this time do something relaxing like reading a book, listening to the radio, or doing a hobby you love.

Another great way to help stress is meditation. If you can sit in a chair, in the quiet for 10 to 15 minutes, meditation can help to clear your head. Try an app like Headspace, they have some free resources available.

If you are having problems that are affecting your wellbeing speak to your doctor. Your doctor might recommend talking to a therapist who can help you to manage your stress.

We hope these 6 easy ways to treat dry skin will be useful. When you’re looking for products to use on dry skin ask your pharmacist and they should be able to advise you.