Dry Skin Relief Lotion

Symptoms of Dry Skin

Chances are you'll definitely recognize the symptoms if your skin is dry. Some individuals simply have to deal with chronically dehydrated skin, while others may experience dryness only at certain times of the year or as a reaction to some external factor. The symptoms vary greatly and can differ from person to person. They include:

• Flaking, which may be very slight and indiscriminate or severe in appearance
• Redness, which may present itself as severe inflammation or a simple flushed tone
• Tightness, which may occur after showering or bathing
• Roughness, both to the touch and in appearance
• Itchiness, which may be minor or very uncomfortable
• Fissures, cracks or cuts, which may bleed if irritated and cause intense discomfort

Causes of Dry Skin

Dry skin can be caused by anything from harsh weather conditions to illnesses. The most common causes, though, include:

• Harsh cleansers, such as soaps and body washes
• Hot showers, which exacerbate the problem especially when taken at great length
• Improperly applying lotion, which is surprisingly common
• Cold weather, which occurs when dry air wreaks havoc on the skin

How to Achieve Proper Relief

Dry skin relief equates to more than just slathering on some lotion. Unfortunately, many people fail to realize that there's a trick involved when it comes to really reaping the benefits of moisturizers. In order to ensure that your lotion genuinely makes a difference in the condition of your skin, you must apply it to damp skin.

When lotion is applied to wet skin, it essentially "traps" the moisture already on your skin and seals it in. It works as a barrier between the moisture and the elements. After you step out of the shower or bath, very lightly towel your skin off so that it is still damp (but not dripping wet). Immediately apply your lotion and allow it to sink into the skin, waiting at least five to ten minutes for it to really do its work.

If your skin feels sticky or uncomfortable after you've done this, or if you have somewhere to go and need to get dressed in a hurry, feel free to dab off the excess moisturizer with a towel. Simply pressing the towel lightly to your skin is sufficient enough to accomplish this.

Choosing the Right Dry Skin Relief Lotion

The type of lotion you apply is as important as how you apply it. Moisturizers are created for different skin types, and although all provide some degree of hydration, certain formulas do a much more efficient job of providing dry skin with exactly what it needs to heal.

A mild, gentle, fragrance-free moisturizer is always a safe choice for dry skin types. This minimizes the potential for allergic reactions and also protects individuals who suffer from other skin conditions commonly associated with dryness (such as psoriasis, dermatitis and eczema). Some popular dry skin relief lotion formulas include:

• Cetaphil DailyAdvance Ultra Hydrating Lotion: Formulating to hydrate skin for hours, this lotion is ideal for anyone with sensitive skin. Not only is it fragrance-free, it's also non-comedogenic, non-greasy and non-irritating.
• ShiKai Borage Dry Skin Therapy Lotion: An absolute dream product for anyone dealing with parched skin, Borage's product is recognized as an industry and consumer favorite. It's rich in borage oil, an omega-6 fatty acid that encourages healthy skin cells.
• Keri Sensitive Skin Lotion: Free of irritating fragrances, lanolin and dyes, this intensive moisturizer sinks deep into the skin and infuses it with enriching aloe and vitamin E.
• Bliss Naked Body Butter: Its name is succinct and to the point, so it's no surprise that Naked makes the skin look and feel so beautiful. Massage this creamy butter formula (great for exceptionally dry types) into damp skin.

Preventing Dry Skin

While experiencing relief is not so difficult once you've found the perfect lotion, these simple steps may help prevent dryness from occurring in the first place:

• Use a humidifier to counter dry air in the house
• Avoid long, hot showers – opt instead for quick, lukewarm showers
• Opt for mild, fragrance-free, soap-free body cleansers
• Avoid wearing wool and tight clothing in general