Pay Attention to the Rest of Your Body
Your face isn't the only area susceptible to dryness. Your scalp and hands are cleaned frequently and are therefore at risk of becoming dry and cracked. Your legs can also become dry and itchy.
"Scrubbing in the shower without moisturizing afterward [might be] OK in the summer, but when low indoor humidity occurs in winter, the skin dries out more and itching starts," says Skotnicki. "This is called winter itch."
The moral of the story? Wash as you must, but always moisturize afterward. Skotnicki adds that moisturizers that target eczema are excellent and that you do not have to have eczema to use them.
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Stick to Fragrance-Free Products
While you're trying to nurture your skin back to optimal health, it's a good idea to avoid any potential irritants in your skin care products. That includes fragrances, dyes and essential oils. "Look for products that are fragrance-free and without many additive ingredients if you know your skin is sensitive or you have a condition like eczema," advises Maiman.
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Avoid Products With Alcohol
Alcohol is a common skin care ingredient found in everything from astringents to lotions. Maiman suggests sticking to water- or oil-based creams versus lotions, which tend to contain alcohol. "Many lotions are alcohol-based, meaning they evaporate once on the skin, which can actually exacerbate dryness."
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Use Exfoliants Sparingly
Once your skin begins to heal, you can use a very gentle scrub or a low-concentration chemical exfoliant to sweep away flaky bits of skin. "This allows your products to penetrate and work more effectively," notes Blake. For your body, she recommends using a super gentle scrub with an oil base to help get your moisture while buffing.
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