Many people are complaining about dry skin. That is because there is great discomfort felt by those who suffer from this skin condition. Drying of the skin or xerosis happens when the skin is not able to hold the much needed moisture. The skin naturally has its own mechanism to make and retain its own moisture through its natural lipids. When the lipids are depleted or are wiped off, the skin dries off. That is why it would be helpful if you would follow the following simple guidelines that would surely help retain moisture in the skin.

1. Use lukewarm water when taking a bath or a shower. Hot water dries off the skin and so does very cold water.

2. If possible, it would be advisable if you would limit your bathing time to 15 minutes at the maximum. Also be reminded to take a bath just once everyday. Contrary to common belief, taking a bath more than once every single day is a main reason why the skin loses natural oils and moisture that fight off skin drying.

3. Monitor the active ingredients of the soaps you use. Usually, soaps have harsh ingredients that lead to dry skin. Skin cleansers are as effective and do not usually contain ingredients that lead to drying.

4. Beware of using deodorant soaps. That is because these soaps are usually too harsh and have skin drying ingredients. If you need to use that soap, however, you can try to limit the use like you can opt to use or apply the soap to specific body areas like the genitalia, the feet and the armpits.

5. Do not rub the skin harshly with towel when drying after a bath or shower. Be as gentle when toweling as much as possible. Patting dry or blotting the skin with towel helps retain moisture in the skin.

6. It is advisable to have skin moisturizers on hand after every bath. After every bath or shower is the best and most advisable time to apply moisturizers to the skin. There are numerous skin moisturizing products available in the market today. Dermatologists say that most of those products are good and are recommendable. However, using and choosing still calls for expert opinion.

7. Apply sunscreen protection to the face, the hands, the neck, the back and all other exposed areas of the skin prior to going outdoors. The sun’s harmful ultraviolet rays are also identified as among the most effective factors that leads to dry skin.

8. Avoid using fabric conditioners to the laundry. That is because fabric softeners are known to make the surface of clothes irritable to the skin.

9. As much as possible, use humidifier along with your central heating system at home and in the office. That would help reduce the drying properties of the air that circulates in the room from air conditioners and heaters. Sleep, relax or work in a room with a constant temperature that is fair, around 68 to 17 degrees Fahrenheit with humidity of around 45% to 55%.

10. Lastly, drink plenty of water, fruit juices or other beverages that would help your body retain moisture inside out. Drinking water sufficiently helps the body replenish moisture to the skin.