Third Way to Banish Dry Skin

Develop These Easy, Healthy Habits for Your Skin:

1. Avoid scratching. Moisturizers and cold packs will soothe itchy skin better. You'll also lower your risk of infection.
   
2. Use fragrance-free laundry products. Look for alternatives to commercial fabric softeners that contain chemicals that are toxic to your skin and the environment.

2. Avoid fabrics that irritate your skin. You may be sensitive to wools or certain synthetics. Shop for clothing you can wear comfortably.
   
   
3. Get a humidifier. Combat dry air with a humidifier. You can get a portable model or one that attaches to your furnace. Just keep it clean to protect yourself from bacteria.
   
   
4. Turn down the heat. Central heating, fireplaces, and space heaters all reduce humidity. Try turning down the thermostat and dressing more warmly.
   
5. Protect your skin from too much sun exposure. Although sunshine is an important source of Vitamin D and helps strengthen your immune system, natural heat also dries the skin. Usually, 15 minutes of sun each day is enough to soak up a good store of Vitamin D.

•  Skin gets dryer as you age, but you can slow down those effects by using a full spectrum sunscreen when you're not replenishing your Vitamin D.

6. Eat foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids. These essential acids have many benefits, including keeping your skin healthy. Indulge in fish, nuts, and olive oil.
   
7. Engage in regular exercise. An active lifestyle is good for your skin as well as your overall well being. Aerobic activities and drinking plenty of water will improve your circulation and complexion.
   
8. See a doctor. If home remedies fail to work or you have sores that could get infected, get a physical examination. Your doctor can check for underlying conditions or refer you to a dermatologist for specialized treatments.
   

Get rid of dry skin by changing the way you wash and adopting a healthy lifestyle. You'll love your new complexion and feel smooth all over.