In winter, drier air, and a tendency to take hotter showers or baths strips the skin of its protective oils, causing dry itchy skin.
Every year, my husband’s face develops dry, scaly red patches, and his hands start drying out and cracking. The same things occur with a lot of my male patients – if they’re like my husband, they might be using shampoo to wash their faces!
Common shampoo should only be used on the hair – not the skin! The alkalinity of regular shampoo is not suitable for skin and can cause it to dry out. Use a mild hydrating soap to wash the skin and, when bathing, try switching from hot to luke warm water. If your
skin still feels dry after a bath or shower, apply oil directly to the legs and arms while they are still damp and then blot dry.
If your hands are still very dry, a hydrating cream containing lactic acid or urea may be used – consult with your pharmacist.
Also, taking omega-oil supplements such as flax seed or fish oils can help alleviate dry skin. And don’t forget to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water.