Health Tip: Dealing With Dry Skin

Suggestions to minimize the condition

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(HealthDay News) -- Frequent bathing, cold weather and forgetting that daily dose of sunscreen all can contribute to dry skin.

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The American Osteopathic College of Dermatology offers these suggestions to help prevent dry skin:

• Bathe no more than once daily, sticking to short (no more than 15 minutes) baths or showers with lukewarm water.
• Use a mild soap or gentle cleanser that won't dry the skin. Avoid deodorant soaps.
• Don't scrub the skin while bathing or drying.
• Apply a rich moisturizer as soon as you get out of the bath or shower.
• Use sunscreen daily.
• Use laundry detergent without fragrance, and avoid fabric softeners.
• Run a humidifier at home during the winter months.

-- Diana Kohnle