6 Effective Ways to Tackle Dry Skin

You're not alone if you suffer from dry, itchy, or flaky skin. Dry skin is common, and conditions such as eczema and psoriasis affect millions of people. Various factors cause dry skin, including your environment, genetics, and medications. If you suffer from dry skin, there are plenty of effective ways to treat it and keep your skin healthy and hydrated. Here are our top tips to keep your skin hydrated and happy this winter and all year.

1. Avoid harsh cleansers and artificial fragrances. Instead, use natural unscented cleansers with skin-loving ingredients. Avoid sulfates and other harsh detergents that can strip your skin of natural oils. Look for products that contain gentle cleansers or saponified vegetable fats. 
2. Use a gentle exfoliator. Exfoliating away dead skin cells can improve the appearance of dry, flaky skin. Opt for a gentle exfoliator such as sugar. Buff away dead skin cells but don't irritate healthy skin underneath.
3. Use warm, not hot, water when cleansing. Hot water can worsen dry skin issues by stripping your skin of natural oils. Instead, opt for lukewarm water, which is gentler on the skin.
4. Moisturize your skin. After cleansing and bathing, use a natural moisturizer to lock in moisture to your skin. We recommend using body butter or oil straight out of the shower or after bathing. You can use a lotion or cream if you want a lighter moisturizer. Ensure your moisturizers have nourishing ingredients such as shea butter or cocoa butter. If you use a cream or lotion, make sure it has glycerin or another humectant to draw moisture to your skin.
5. Use a humidifier. Dry skin can get worse when we turn the heat on. Using a humidifier can replace lost moisture in the air. 30 to 50% humidity is ideal. You get humidifiers in various sizes depending on the size of your space. Many of them have built-in meters that tell you the humidity level.
6. Cover up. Sun, wind, and cold weather can all dry your skin. The EPA recommends sun protection whenever the UV index is higher than two. Wear hats, gloves, and scarves to cover your skin in the winter. And all year round, use a broad-spectrum sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher whenever the UV index is above 2.

Using the steps above should help to ease your dry skin issues. With patience and a consistent skincare routine, you should see glowing skin in no time.

Here are our favorite OBC products for Dry Skin