4 easy ways to get rid of dry skin

Relieving dry, itchy and irritated skin is easier than you may think. Try these tips to get rid of dry skin for good.

Your skin is at risk of sun damage all year round, so if you want to protect yourself, you will need to use a sunscreen containing an SPF of 30 or higher 365 days of the year.

Cleansing is essential, but you must ensure you are cleansing correctly. To keep your skin soft and supple, choose mild, fragrance-free soaps rather than harsh soaps and detergents.

Like abrasive skin care products, hot showers will strip your skin of its lubricating oils, causing it to lose water and become dehydrated.

To get rid of your dry skin, lower the water temperature and limit your showers to five minutes in length. Afterwards, pat your skin dry with a soft towel and slather on a generous helping of moisturizer.

Moisturizers form an invisible, protective barrier, preventing water from escaping from the surface of your skin.

To make the most of your moisturizer, apply a liberal amount immediately after cleansing your skin. Thick moisturizers containing ingredients such as ceramides, lanolin and hyaluronic acid tend to work best as they have more staying power than other moisturizers.

If the aforementioned treatments can't help you to get rid of dry skin, book a consultation with a dermatologist. You should also visit an expert if you're suffering from one or more of the following:

• Unexplained skin dryness and/or itchiness.
• Red, swollen, bleeding, oozing and/or cracking skin.
• Dry skin that may have developed due to a preexisting medical condition, such as diabetes or poor blood flow.
• Dry skin caused by occupational irritants, such as detergents, solvents, disinfectants, bleaching agents and fertilizers.

A skin doctor will examine your skin, define your problem and provide you with a new treatment regimen.