remedies for dry skin - #20192
I am constantly struggling with remedies for dry skin. Like, this winter has been brutal on my skin! My hands are literally cracking, and I’ve tried a million lotions already. One time, I woke up in the middle of the night because my skin was itching so bad, I thought I'd gone nuts. I mean, what’s the point of piling on the moisturizer if nothing seems to work? I talked to my friend, and she swears by olive oil as one of the best remedies for dry skin, but I feel like that just makes me greasier instead of actually helping. I even went to the dermatologist and they suggested some sort of prescription cream, but who has time to figure all that out? I just want easy remedies for dry skin that don’t involve a million steps! Sometimes I think I might be allergic to something in those products... like, has anyone else gone through remedies for dry skin that actually worked without breaking the bank? Or is there some crazy home remedy someone could share? I’d do almost anything at this point to stop the flaking and cracking!
100% Anonymously
No sign-up needed.

Doctors' responses
Dealing with dry skin, particularly in the winter, can be quite a challenge, but there are some straightforward steps you can take that may provide relief. First, focus on your bathing habits; you might want to keep showers short and not too hot, as hot water can strip away the natural oils from your skin. After bathing, pat your skin dry rather than rubbing, and immediately apply a thick, fragrance-free moisturizer to lock in moisture. You might benefit from thicker creams or ointments that contain ceramides or hyaluronic acid for better hydration. When it comes to moisturizers, consistency is key, apply it several times a day, especially after washing your hands.
Now, about the itching, using a humidifier in your home can add moisture back into the air, which might help alleviate the intensity. As for the olive oil, it can work for some but isn’t universally effective for everyone, so don’t worry too much if it’s not your thing. Alternatively, sunflower seed oil or coconut oil may be worth a try, as they’re known to help with dry skin, just ensure you’re not allergic to them. Seriously consider avoiding products that contain alcohol, retinoids, or alpha-hydroxy acid. They can exacerbate dryness and irritation.
If you’re thinking an allergy could be a factor, eliminate any recently introduced products one at a time to identify a potential culprit. While prescription creams might seem daunting, sometimes they offer the quickest relief with minimal hassle, so don’t cross them off completely without giving them proper consideration. Lastly, stay well-hydrated by drinking plenty of water, since internal hydration does play its role, too. If these adjustments don’t help or if your symptoms worsen, seeing a healthcare professional again would be wise, as they might help tailor a more precise treatment for you.
100% Anonymously
Get expert answers anytime, completely confidential. No sign-up needed.
About our doctors
Only qualified doctors who have confirmed the availability of medical education and other certificates of medical practice consult on our service. You can check the qualification confirmation in the doctor's profile.