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How do I fight dry skin? Defeat Dry Skin Take a few minutes daily to nourish your body’s largest organ and be rewarded with smooth, healthy skin Know how feeling dehydrated can give you a headache? Well, your skin gets dehydrated, too, and it has its own way of letting you know. Dry skin feels tight, especially after showering. Ankles, knees, elbows or heels will look ashen, rough and scaly. On knuckles, fine lines become visible, and eventually the skin might even crack and bleed. These symptoms are increasingly common as the thermometer heads southward. “In the fall, we are layering our clothing more, going in and out of buildings that have heaters on already, and because of that we lose water out of our skin,” says dermatologist Debra Luftman, M.D., of Beverly Hills, co-author of The Beauty Prescription. What Causes Dry Skin? Most causes of dry skin are environmental. Forced-air heating systems are especially drying. Long, hot showers can strip the body of oils. Cleansing products with fragrances and alcohol can irritate the skin. In rare cases, dry skin can signal a medical problem. For example, nerve damage caused by diabetes can result in dry, cracked skin in the legs and feet. Another cause of dry skin is hypothyroidism, which limits production of oil. Primary skin diseases can cause dry skin too, such as psoriasis and eczema. Treat Dry Skin The good news is that keeping your skin healthy and hydrated is as easy as applying moisturizer. “When you get out of the shower or bath, don’t completely dry off,” Dr. Luftman says. “Leave some water on your skin, and then add a moisturizer. That allows your skin and the water to act like a sandwich. The moisturizer drives the water into your skin.” If dry skin is already a problem, opt for an oil-based moisturizer, such as Eucerin. It is more potent than water-based varieties, which are the most common formulations. Do’s and Don’ts Try to minimize the environmental causes of dry skin. Use a humidifier in the winter time, take shorter and cooler showers, and choose gentle bathing products. Dr. Luftman advises against abrasive scrubs and toners, especially on the delicate facial area. Alpha-hydroxy and beta-hydroxy acid scrubs can be okay because they bring water to the skin, but deep scrubs should be limited to the hands and feet. And once done, moisturizer should be applied immediately, says Dr. Luftman. Cut down on caffeine and alcohol, as too much of either can be dehydrating. And drink lots of water—Dr. Luftman recommends four to six glasses a day. Omega-3 oils, taken as a supplement, can add oils to the skin. Target Problem Areas To treat dry, cracked heels, knees or elbows, apply a thick layer of petroleum jelly and then wrap the area with plastic wrap or cotton socks. Dr. Luftman sees many cases of dry (and embarrassingly itchy) underarms. She recommends switching to a clinical protection deodorant that has moisturizer in it. If your dry skin does not respond to these over-the-counter treatments, see your doctor or a dermatologist who can prescribe a more intensive remedy, such as topical creams and ointments.

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