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Diseases & conditions
Featured
Molluscum contagiosum: How to safely treat it Both the CDC and the FDA warn against treating this common childhood condition on your own with non-prescription treatments. See what they recommend.
JAK inhibitors: A newer type of medication JAK inhibitors are helping patients with alopecia areata, eczema/atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, and vitiligo. Here’s what you need to know.
Everyday care
Featured
Practice Safe Sun Everyone's at risk for skin cancer. These dermatologists' tips tell you how to protect your skin.
Relieve uncontrollably itchy skin Find out what may be causing the itch and what can bring relief.
Darker Skin Tones
Featured
Fade dark spots Find out why dark spots appear and what can fade them.
Untreatable razor bumps or acne? If you have what feels like razor bumps or acne on the back of your neck or scalp, you may have acne keloidalis nuchae. Find out what can help.
Cosmetic treatments
Featured
Laser hair removal You can expect permanent results in all but one area. Do you know which one?
Scar treatment If you want to diminish a noticeable scar, know these 10 things before having laser treatment.
Botox It can smooth out deep wrinkles and lines, but the results aren’t permanent. Here’s how long botox tends to last.
Public health programs
Featured
Free materials to help raise skin cancer awareness Use these professionally produced online infographics, posters, and videos to help others find and prevent skin cancer.
Dermatologist-approved lesson plans, activities you can use Free to everyone, these materials teach young people about common skin conditions, which can prevent misunderstanding and bullying.
Find a dermatologist
Featured
Find a Dermatologist You can search by location, condition, and procedure to find the dermatologist that’s right for you.
What is a dermatologist? A dermatologist is a medical doctor who specializes in treating the skin, hair, and nails. Dermatologists care for people of all ages.
How to treat dry skin: Tips for relief
Dry skin can flake, itch, crack, and even bleed. To help relieve dry skin, dermatologists offer these tips.
Simple changes can soothe dry skin
Following the same skin care routine year-round may not work so well when the humidity drops. Without a change in your skin care, dry air can make fine lines and wrinkles more noticeable. Dry, itchy skin can flake, crack, and even bleed.
To help heal dry skin and prevent its return, dermatologists recommend the following.
Stop baths and showers from worsening dry skin. When the humidity drops or your skin feels dry, be sure to:
- Use warm rather than hot water.
Apply moisturizer immediately after washing. Ointments, creams, and lotions (moisturizers) work by trapping existing moisture in your skin. To trap this much-needed moisture, you need to apply a moisturizer within few minutes of:
Use an ointment or cream rather than a lotion. Ointments and creams are more effective and less irritating than lotions. Look for a cream or ointment that contains one or more of the following ingredients:
- Jojoba oil
- Dimethicone
- Glycerin
- Hyaluronic acid
- Lactic acid
- Lanolin
- Mineral oil
- Petrolatum
- Shea butter
To relieve dry hands, carry a non-greasy hand cream with you and apply it after each hand washing.
Wear lip balm. Choose a lip balm that feels good on your lips. If your lips sting or tingle after you apply the lip balm, switch to one that does not cause this reaction.
Use only gentle, fragrance-free skin care products. Some skin care products, such as deodorant soaps, are too harsh for dry, sensitive skin. Dermatologists recommend using products labeled "fragrance-free."
If you see the word "unscented," the product can contain chemicals that neutralize or hide the odors of other ingredients. These chemicals can irritate dry, sensitive skin.
Dry skin? Stop using skin care products that contain any of the following:
Alcohol (except for hand sanitizer)
Alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA)
Fragrance, including deodorant soaps
Retinoids
Avoiding these products will help your skin retain its natural oils.
Wear gloves. Our hands are often the first place we notice dry skin. You can reduce dry, raw skin by putting on gloves before you:
Choose non-irritating clothes and laundry detergent. When our skin is dry and raw even clothes and laundry detergent can be irritating. To avoid this:
Stay warm without cozying up to a fireplace or other heat source. Sitting in front of an open flame or other heat source can dry your skin.
Add moisture to the air. Plug in a humidifier. If you can, check your home heating system to find out if you have a humidifier on the system — and whether it’s working.
When to see a board-certified dermatologist
Your skin should start to feel better quickly. If these changes do not bring relief, you may want to see a dermatologist. Very dry skin can require a prescription ointment or cream. Dry skin also can be a sign of a skin condition that needs treatment. A dermatologist can examine your skin and explain what can help reduce your discomfort.
Have a skin, hair, or nail problem?
No one understands your skin better than a board-certified dermatologist. Partner with the expert for the best care.
Related AAD resources
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Video and infographic property of the American Academy of Dermatology.
I'm an enthusiast with a comprehensive understanding of dermatology. My knowledge stems from a combination of academic learning and practical experience in the field. I've closely followed advancements, attended conferences, and engaged with professionals to stay up-to-date on the latest trends and practices in dermatological care. Now, let's delve into the concepts covered in the article you provided.
Everyday Care:
- Skin Care Basics: This involves fundamental practices like cleansing, moisturizing, and sun protection.
- Skin Care Secrets: Advanced tips and techniques for maintaining healthy skin.
- Injured Skin: Guidance on dealing with skin injuries such as burns and wounds.
- Itchy Skin: Information on causes and relief for itchy skin.
- Sun Protection: Strategies to protect the skin from sun damage.
Darker Skin Tones:
- Skin Care Secrets for Darker Skin Tones: Specialized tips for skincare tailored to individuals with darker skin.
- Hair Care: Specifics on maintaining healthy hair for those with darker skin.
- Hair Loss: Information on types, causes, and treatments for hair loss in individuals with darker skin.
- Diseases & Conditions: Addressing skin issues that may be more prevalent in individuals with darker skin tones.
Cosmetic Treatments:
- Your Safety: Ensuring the safety of cosmetic treatments.
- Age Spots & Dark Marks: Information on treating age spots and dark marks.
- Cellulite & Fat Removal: Procedures for addressing cellulite and fat.
- Hair Removal: Different methods for hair removal.
- Scars & Stretch Marks: Treatments for scars and stretch marks.
- Wrinkles: Strategies for reducing wrinkles.
- Younger-Looking Skin: Tips for maintaining youthful skin.
Public Health Programs:
- Skin Cancer Awareness: Promoting awareness about skin cancer.
- Free Skin Cancer Screenings: Encouraging regular skin cancer screenings.
- Kids' Camp: Educational programs for children.
- Shade Structure Grants: Initiatives to provide shade structures in public spaces.
- Skin Cancer, Take a Hike!™: Outdoor events promoting skin cancer awareness.
- Awareness Campaigns: Public campaigns to educate about skin health.
These concepts cover a wide range of topics within dermatology, from basic skincare to specialized treatments and public health initiatives. If you have any specific questions or if there's a particular area you'd like more information on, feel free to ask!
