When your skin is dry, it becomes more sensitive and is irritated more easily. Dry skin is usually accompanied by intense itchiness. Itching is an uncomfortable sensation and in order to get relief from an itch we would usually scratch. However, scratching can also produce an increased itchiness so an itch-scratch-itch cycle begins.
If you have ever scratched an area of your skin repeatedly, you probably have experienced having such red skin from scratching or maybe even scratched off a thin layer of your skin that you start to feel this stinging or burning sensation. If you have peeled your skin off from scratching not only will you be in pain, you are also putting yourself at risk of getting infection because of the open wound you just created from scratching.
Getting Relief from Dry, Itchy Skin
Dry skin usually isn’t serious if you learn to manage it well. You don’t need to wait for inflammation and bacterial infection to set in before you start to act. Here are some tips to try at home to get rid of dry skin that infuriatingly itches.
1. Get rid of the soap
Just like those soap operas on TV that can make you cry, washing your face with soap can make your skin cry. While soap can wash away dirt and grime, it also can strip away your skin’s natural protective oils which of course would cause the skin to dry. So throw out your soap and use gentle facial cleansers instead. When your facial skin feels tight and dry after washing that should tell you to change your cleanser right away.
2. Some like it hot but you should keep it warm!
Hot water robs your skin of moisture and moisture loss is the number one cause of dry skin. Prolonged exposure to water can also dry out your skin. It is best to shower using lukewarm water and keep your showers short. Skip the hot tub or do it at least once a month and keep it short as well. The hot temperature mixed in with the chemicals in the bubble bath can be torture for your skin.
3. Lock in moisture with effective moisturizers!
Lather a potent moisturiser on your skin immediately after stepping out of the shower and patting dry your skin. Natural oils are more effective moisturizers for dry skin. A powerful moisturiser is the Moroccan Argan oil. The oil is packed with vitamin E and essential fatty acids that can help keep your skin smooth and supple by sealing the moisture in. Massage the oil onto your face and body immediately after bathing. Re-apply Argan oil liberally during the day and evening on areas prone to extreme dryness and itching.
Anyone can suffer from dry skin. Treat dry skin and get relief from itching by following these 3 tips!