Extremely dry skin affects so many people...most often in the dry winter months, but for many people, any weather extreme can cause drying of the skin. Most commonly effected areas are the legs and hands, but I often find that i get dry spots on my arms and face during extreme weather conditions. Dry skin is easily treated, so take care of it or it may lead to DERMATITIS, an inflamation of the skin associated with overly dry skin.1. Avoid causes of dry skin such as SOAP, very HOT SHOWERS, long showers, and excessive washing of the hands.2. Use mild cleansers that don;t use soap. Yes, soap gets a nice lather and leaves us clean and fresh, but it is DRYING OUT YOUR SKIN!!! Also try to stay away from antibiotic and fragranced cleansers.FACE: CETAPHIL Gentle Skin Cleanser is one of the most recommended cleanser by dermatologists and is great for dry, sensitive skin.$6 - Drugstores Nationwide.BODY: OLAY Total Effects Body Wash contains 7 moisturizers AND it counteracts signs of aging!$7 - Drugstores Nationwide3. MOISTURIZE!!!!!!! Use a moisturizer EVERY TIME you get out of the shower. This is the easiest way to counteract dryness! Your skin is most absorbant after a shower, so this is the time to do it!!!BODY: BURT'S BEES Radiance Body Lotion contains Royal Jelly (134 NUTRIENTS!!!), coconut, sunflower, orange, sage, rosemary, aloe, and soybean to moisturize and calm irritated skin. I noticed a difference in the overall appearance of my skin in just TWO DAYS! It also contains mica to give the skin a radiant glow!$8 - Drugstores NationwideFACE: KATE SOMERVILLE's Goat Milk Cream is designed with vitamins and amino acids to calm and repair severely damaged skin gently. Possibly one of the best moistuizers on the market for dry skin, and WELL WORTH the high price tag.$55 - Henri Bendel 5th Avenue www.henribendel.comHANDS: BATH AND BODY WORKS Look Ma New Hands lotion is my personal favorite hand cream, though there are many many good ones out there. I like it because of the fresh grapefruit scent and the fact that it seals in moisture with parafin wax. When I was in college, I worked at Starbucks and this was the only lotion that worked to keep my hands from cracking due to overwashing!$7-$22 Bath & Body Works Stores www.bathandbodyworks.comTIP: Don't use a liquid foundation if your face is very dry, it will look cracked and blotchy. Instead, use a heavy duty moisturizer and a powder foundation to achieve a smoother finish until your skin heals.TIP: If topical treatments aren't working, try taking an Omega-3 supplement. These fatty acids will aid in cellular regeneration and help heal dry skin.
