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Dry Skin Remedies That Really Work

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If you have dry skin, you know how hard it is to find a remedy that actually works. For those of us with severely dry skin, we can’t just pick any lotion off the shelf since most only offer us temporary relief.

a woman's legs are shown as she sits on a bathtub with title text reading Dry Skin Remedies That Really Work

The Truth About Dry Skin

Dry skin is a common problem for many of us. I participated in a study of 40 bloggers on this topic. The results of the survey are shown in the infographic below.

an infographic from Curel about the end of dry skin

Did you notice that 75% of us said we have been embarrassed by our dry skin more than once? I’m in that group! I’ve been shy about shaking hands with someone because mine are dry and cracked. I’ve been at a child’s birthday party and had a child ask me why my legs look so funny (apparently his mother didn’t suffer from the same scaly dry skin on her legs). I’m at an age where I don’t let potentially embarrassing situations keep me from venturing out. However, it’s the pain and irritation of dry skin I can do without. THAT’S what motivates my search for a fantastic lotion to help.

What Are Ceramides?

Did you notice the mention of ceramides in the infographic? 63% of the bloggers knew what they were. I wasn’t one of them. These little guys live in our outermost layer of skin. They help our skin retain moisture. If you have dry, irritated skin, chances are your ceramide levels are low. So, to restore your protective barrier, you either need to consume ceramides (also referred to as phytoceramides) or you need to apply a product that creates a protective barrier for you.

Change the Way You Shower

Since we’re talking about your skin, it’s only logical we’d start with the place where it’s all exposed. A few simple changes to your shower routine can make a big difference in the moisture level of your skin.

Keep the Water Lukewarm

I love a hot, steamy shower but my skin does not. Hot water dries out your skin. So, if you’re at the point that your skin is flaking, itchy or painful due to dryness, turn the temperature down.

Change Your Soap

Choosing the right soap can make a huge difference in your skin’s moisture. In general, you want to choose a very mild soap. Look for ingredients that nourish your skin – aloe vera, vegetable oils, avocado, cocoa butter, vitamin E and jojoba oil are ingredients to look for. Stay away from anything that is heavily scented or medicated.

Moisturize While Damp

It’s true that if you apply moisturizer while your skin is still damp or wet, it will lock the moisture in. It’s a great idea, but it can be tough to implement. I’ve tried this in the past. The lotion would smear all over and would take forever to absorb. Baby oil worked better, until my husband almost died when he slipped in the shower thanks to the oil that had run down my leg onto the shower floor. So, I gave up on this solution until I found Curél Hydra Therapy Wet Skin Moisturizer.

a bottle of Curel hydratherapy wet skin moisturizer in a shelf in a shower

Curél Hydra Therapy is a lotion but it’s specially formulated to be applied to wet skin and before drying off. As a result, it absorbs quickly. Two weeks of using it after every shower and I got rid of the alligator skin on my legs. Basically, Curél Hydra Therapy strengthens the barrier that’s been weakened due to my low ceramides. Frankly, I thought that line was a bunch of mumbo jumbo until I tried it. Now, the proof is in my skin!

 

For many of us, dry skin is more than an inconvenience. It can be painful, distracting, and a major issue to address. I hope these tips help you gain control over your dry skin so you can spend more time focusing on the things that matter the most to you.

What do you do to combat dry skin? Tell me in the comments for a chance to win a $100 Visa gift card!

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102 thoughts on “Dry Skin Remedies That Really Work”

  1. I love that you talked about the remedies for dry skin that are effective and really working. My sister has a dry skin and already used different kinds of products to soften and smoothen her skin. I will certainly be forwarding this article to her so she could check on your tips.

    Reply

  32. To combat the dry skin on my hands I moisturize them before bedtime. When they are exposed to the cold dry air of winter I really have to keep up with the care to prevent them from bleeding.

    Reply

  53. My skin gets so dry in the winter! I usually use Bath & Body Works lotions but the don’t usually cut it! I have try Curel! I had no idea it worked so well!!

    Reply

  58. I struggle with this so much!! I’ve found that moisturizing immediately after showering and keeping lotion near the soap in every bathroom is a good reminder too.

    Reply

  60. Curél Hydra Therapy Wet Skin Moisturizer?!!! What! I thought I was Curel fan and never heard of this one. This sounds like an awesome product.

    Reply

  63. I’ve had dry skins for years and have tried so many lotions & creams to combat it.. I find that Petroleum jelly works the best for me esp. on my feet and hands!!

    Reply

  67. To combat dry skin I wear protective clothing when I go out in the cold, drink a lot of water and apply moisturizer several times a day.

    Reply

  71. I drink lots of water and slather on some lotion every day but sometimes I forget. 🙁
    What I need is a bed that somehow moisturizes your skin overnight. 🙂
    Busy schedules, hectic life and all that.
    thanks!

    Reply

  74. I drink a lot of water, use body oil and cream right after shower to help with my dry skin.
    tcarolinep at gmail dot com

    Reply

  92. I drink plenty of water, use a good moisturizer, only take a shower for 5 minutes, and I use coconut oil all the time.
    jewelwood55(at)gmail(dot)com

    Reply

  95. I’m a big fan of Curel products and a dry skin (and embarrassment) sufferer. Good to learn of Curel Hydra Therapy.

    Reply

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