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Showering will actually make your skin even drier. Maybe do it once a day and put lotion on right when you get out. My daughter has excema and I use a lotion called CerVe right after the bath. Her derm said when you shower it strips your body of its natural oils. She says this lotion will help with that. I bought it at the pharmacy at Target, Im sure most pharmacies have it. Also when I take really hot showers that makes me really dry and itchy! Have you ever gotten out of a hot tub and been completey itchy? I know in the winter I just want to take a bath in lotion! Hope some of this helps!

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Looks like you've received some great advice, but here's my 2 cents. Shower only once a day, although in winter once every other day is certainly appropriate. In the shower, I often use Bath and Body Works Aromatheropy Sugar Scrub. It comes in a variety of scents, and is incredibly moisturizing. Always slather on body lotion after your shower. I swear by Olay's Quench body lotion. Use a baby-friendly Wet Ones to freshen private areas if needed. Something I hadn't seen mentioned yet is to moisturize from the inside as well. I take an Omega 3 fish oil capsule every day. I hope this is helpful to you, and good luck.

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Aveeno shower oil is the best. We put it on after showering, while still wet and do not rinse it off. Then, put on Lubriderm.

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It is best to get scientific and understand what the skin needs. Just as hunger tells us our stomach needs something, itching tells us our skin needs something.

First, put the water in your body, not so much on it. We tend to drink much less water in winter. Skin hydrates from the inside and releases fluids from the body. The best way to get moisture to the skin is from within. We often drink more coffees and hot teas in winter and that actually dehydrate the body. If you want a warm beverage, try hot water with a little lemon and honey instead. Also, we often exercise less. This decreases circulation and sweating, which brings natural oils to the skin. Also, we do not get enough vitamin D, which the body produces from sun exposure. With less vitamin D, it is more difficult to metabolize calcium. With less calcium, the body's pH is thrown off and a common symptom of acidic pH is itching.

As others have said, shower less and use jojoba. As a licensed massage therapist, I have studied the skin. I purchase an organic, fragrance-free lotion that is also free of polyparrabens. Adding a little jojoba or castor oil to that lotion makes it a fantastic moisturizer that doesn't create an oily mess. Olive oil is also very nurturing to the skin, but jojoba is chemically closest to you skin's own sebum (what we call skin oil). Jojoba is not actually classified as an oil. It is a liquid wax. Castor oil is very easily absorbed, but is thick to apply. So, I would deffiniately put it in a pure lotion. If you can get therapeutic grade essential oils, such as from Young Living Essential Oils or Cheryl's Herbs, adding a few drops of lavender and/or melaleuca (tea tree) can be great for taking the itch away!! As others mentioned, use the lotion immediately after a shower, before the skin is completely dry.

Never use petrochemials, such as some baby oils, on the skin!!! Petroleum jelly is just what is says - petroleum. It belongs in your car, not on your body. Skin absorbs edible oils into the blood stream, so if you shouldn't eat it, you may not want it on your skin. Natural oils go bad rather easily. Keep them cool and away from light, such as in dark glass bottles. If the oil doesn't smell fresh, don't use it. Castor oil should be kept in the refrigerator. You can usually buy it in small bottles at the pharmacy for less than $5.

Also, avoid soaps - all soaps. They destroy a protective layer of the skin's natural surface, which is our body's first line of immune defense. Look for soap-free body washes and scrubs, or, just use a good loofa and elbow greese. But, use the loofa before the shower, not during. Avoid using any skin product with isopropal alcohol (rubbing alcohol) or sodium lauryl sulfate and get familiar with these types of ingredients by different names, such as sodium laureth sulphate. http://www.healthy-communications.com/slsmostdangerousirr...

Finally, dont wear too much elastic or tight clothing against the skin. We bundle up in the winter and the clothing absorbs natural skin oils. I love nice warm knee high socks in the winter, but ooh they make me itch!!!

Hope this helps.

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Hi K.,
Try showering less often. My Daughter has eczema and is only supposed to bathe every other day. Try a cream instead of lotion like Eucerin cream or Aquaphor. If this does not help see your doctor they make an ointment or cream called Tac Cream, for short, or Tac Ointment, it works wonders. It is medicine but if it is safe for my daughter to use from age one to four which is how old she is now, it should be safe for adults. Good luck!
M.

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Dear K.,
It just happen I have some sample of Eucerin lotion treating dry skin. If you want to stop by Modern Nail in Overland Park. we will give you some sample to see if it helps.

Modern Nail address: 8642 W. 133rd St.
located behind Sam's Club and Baby R'Us @ 135 & Antioch,
just call me first to make sure we have it ready for you.

T. ###-###-####

2 moms found this helpful

Oh, my, yes, that's too many showers! I tend to have dry skin too, and so in the winter, I only shower every other day. Then I put lotion on right after I get out. Also, don't let the water be too hot, as that dries you out too. Just a nice warm shower, followed by lotion, every other day. (If you feel like you must shower every day, make one really short, just a rinse.)

2 moms found this helpful

Definitely stop showering so much...once a day or even every other day. I would also recommend moving from a soap product to a non-soap. I know Softsoap makes a non-soap body wash, it works ok. My favorite is Vanicream...you have to order it (ebay or drugstore.com) but it works really well. Make sure to get a good moisturizer (Vanicream, Eucerin, Aquafor) and apply IMMEDIATELY after getting out of the shower. Try to apply 2x or 3x daily for best results. If that doesn't clear it up, you will need to see a dermotologist as everything else in my aresenal is prescribed for my daughter who has severe eczema. But I will say since I have started using the Vanicream soap and the lotions my skin has gotten better and the red itchy rashes I've been plagued with during winter months for the past 5 years have stopped showing up!

BTW- the medicine that a dermotologist would prescribe is mostly topical ointments/creams. One you can get over the counter is Hydrocortisone cream and just use it on the worst spots, dry, then cover with your other lotions. BUT DO MAKE SURE WHATEVER LOTIONS YOU USE ARE FRAGRANCE FREE! Fragrances are the biggest allergin to most people.

2 moms found this helpful

I was in your shoes for the longest time! I had resorted to taking cold showers to relieve the itching afterward, but who wants to do that? It got so bad that I was asking EVERYONE for advice, and the best advice, that I still go by today, is to take flax seed oil.
Within a week, I was feeling much better and eventually able to take hot showers like a normal person!
I buy the soft gel caps and take one a day. If I skip a couple of days, my skin lets me know it!
Flax seed is an omega-3 oil and benefits you in more ways than just your skin. Some prefer fish oil, but I have allergies and can't try it.
I really recommend trying this...it changed the quality of my life!
lb

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K.,

Your problem IS because you're taking two showers a day!! Dry skin is caused from the natural oils on our skin being washed away. Try to take one every other day. Keep up with the lotion, preferably Eucerin and drink plenty of WATER!! Water will not only help you with dry skin but it will also help if you're dealing with constipation.

Give it a week or two and see how you do!! ls

2 moms found this helpful

Hi K. - I have the same problem and I definitely agree with everyone else. Keep the water exposure to a minimum and moisturize every chance you get. Something else that has made the biggest difference in my skin is drinking at least 10 glasses of water daily. I was never hydrated enough, so my skin was itchy, flaky and just miserable to live in! It's much more tolerable now that I'm constantly well-hydrated. Good luck!

2 moms found this helpful

Good morning K.!
I have three kids and we live in the country and our water is extremely hard. My two youngest children had severly dry skin and I tried everything. My doctor even prescribed a lotion that worked BUT I had to put it on them several times a day, every day or it would come right back. My son also got several respiratory infections every winter. Then I found this amazing lotion called Renew. I got rid of all the "baby" lotions with the chemicals in them and started using it on their skin and they have the softest, most beautiful skin now. AND the best part is that my son has not had one respiratory infection this winter. No more breathing treatments! My kids haven't had anything more than a minor common cold.

If you itch all over all the time, I would highly suggest you convert your whole house to non-caustic products. My dad was one of those guys who you would see rubbing his back against door jams or whatever he could find. Since my parents started using these products he doesn't itch at all! I'm telling you all of this because I don't want you to think I am "just trying to sell you something". These products are amazing! They are safer and so much healthier for you and your family! And when you compare apples to apples, dollar for dollar, they are cheaper than grocery store brands. Check out the company's website at www.melaleuca.com and click on 'more information' and then let me know what you think. If you'd like to become a customer, contact me and I'll help you get started. All products are fully refundable, even if you use them, so everything is fully guaranteed. No risk at all.

Sorry, this was so long, but I just love Melaleuca. so when I get started talking about it I just can't stop myself! LOL! It's saved me a ton of money not only on products, but doctor visits, co-pays, etc. with my son.

Thanks for your time! I hope you'll give it a try. You have nothing to lose, but that itching!

D. Sanderson
____@____.com
###-###-####

2 moms found this helpful

Cut the showering down to once a day. We use cortisone cream then top with Vaseline to seal the moisture. The cortisone with helps heal any breaks or tears in the skin from scratching. The Vaseline was recommended by our pediatrician for my daughters severe dry skin. Avoid any moisturizers with alcohol.

J. N.

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My daughter and husband have dry sensitive skin.

After trying everything AND prescriptions, we have the following advice:

Don't shower more than once a day.
Don't use the water too hot.
Look up http://www.melaleuca.com/ - their bar soap (any scent) and the lotion that is called Renew are incredible. I can not speak highly enough about how well it works.

(I think you have to 'sign up', but if you don't want to hassle with that, I'm sure you could find someone by where you live to purchase from.)

1 mom found this helpful

First, stop showering twice a day! Don't even shower once a day, if you can. Buy a good deoderant and do a washcloth bath to freshen up. When you do shower, use water as cool as you can stand - avoid hot water, and use a moisturizig soap (not a cheap bar soap). As soon as you get out of the shower, briefly pat dry and then lather a good lotion (Lubriderm, Aveeno) on. This should help. (The water is drying out your skin even more.)

Also consider running a humidifier if the air in your home is dry. They are relatively cheap ones ($30 or so). And be sure to drink plenty of water yourself.

I had this problem a few winters ago, and the decrease in showers, good lotion, and the humidifier helped a lot.

1 mom found this helpful

I know you already received 51 responses, but what works for my husband and I is Eucerin lotion - the itch calming one. Nothing else will really work for us. Hope you've had good luck!

1 mom found this helpful

Try using baby oil, after your shower, before drying off. This will lock in the moisture. There is also a product called Neutregina Rain Bath that you use the same way. My daughter had such dry skin that she would get a rash in the winter, the doctor even prescribed a lotion, it would make her skin sting it was so dry, she would have to use more and more lotion until it would stop stinging. Drinking more water, using a humidifier, and using the baby oil after showering (btw showering will help dry your skin out) will help with this.

1 mom found this helpful

Hi K., I know of a fabulous product...it is called Renew and it works wonders! It is an intensive skin therapy product. I have listed my website where you can get more information. Please send me an email if you are interested in more information. Thanks.

T. J.
http://livetotalwellness.com/tfj
http://workathomeunited.com/tfj

1 mom found this helpful

K.,
I have suffered with excema, (dry itchy skin) for almost all my life. I'm 58 yrs young and still have problems with it every year without fail, so the itchy feeling is nothing new, nor the dryness. I have found several things to help other than going to a dermatologist for professional help. In the shower, you can use the shower gels, body baths with moisturizers in them. Dove and Oil of Olay are good ones to try. Immediately after the shower, blot dry, then immediately put lotion all over your body. This way, while your skin is still damp, before it dries, the lotion actually goes deeper into the skin. (The pores of your body are open when wet and damp) Then apply a damp cloth over it to force the lotion even deeper. (Wrap the cloth around the arms, legs etc and let stay for a little while) At night before you go to bed, reapply lotion again, put a damp cloth over it again to deepen the effect of the lotion. Also for clear smooth skin, you can take Omega-3 Fish oil capsules that you can buy anywhere, and take twice a day. I have found that by doing this everyday, for as long as I can remember, my dry skin has gone away, and only comes back during certain allergy seasons. But by keeping it up, you will definitely see a difference in time. It's not an over night deal tho, it does take some time and effort on your part. But in the long run, it's all worth it. Hope this has helped. J. V, mother of 4 grown kids, plus grandma to 7 youngin's.

1 mom found this helpful

K.,

You are not crazy. Dry skin hurts. I use Dove in the shower wash with lotion in it. Good luck.

1 mom found this helpful

I used to have the same problem, especially in winter and no products seemed to help. Turns out the soap/shower gel/lotion are really the problem - too many chemicals. I switched to a pure olive oil soap (Kiss My Face brand_, and have just read about using only coconut oil for bathing (which you can buy in a jar at many grocery stores, it's a solid at room temp but melts in your hands, easy to use) and I don't shower as much (if every day I only hit the "stinky" spots, leave legs, arms and back alone or every other day). I haven't had itchy skin since. I also started using all bar soap made only from essential oils (the base of which is coconut oil usually) for hand soap at the sinks and I haven't even had to put anything on my hands for dry skin this winter (they used to crack and bleed every year)! Apparently eating 1-3 tbsp of coconut oil also does wonderful things for your hair and skin. Oh, and it smells AMAZING, so you will too if you use it on your body (I put it on my face and hands and it makes them silky soft). Really just get rid of the chemicals and replace them with natural oils, and don't wash them off by showering too much!

Here is what someone else said on another mothering board about bathing with coconut oil - "CO is an awesome cleanser. It is the base for most natural household cleaners. You just slather it on like normal all over, do a quick rub and rinse and you're done! Nothing else needed. You wouldn't think it would work, but you feel clean and soft and I promise you won't stink or feel dirty at all! In fact I send it to a friend in Afghanistan because there isn't enough water to take showers. they just rub on and wipe off and it works great!).

1 mom found this helpful

K. have you tried Renew lotion? This works wonders and helped us with the same condition you have :)

Cindy
Work At Home United
www.2abetterlife.com

I have this problem also one of my problems is that I take very hot showers but it doesn't matter weather I take cold showers in the winter I itch non stop. Try baby oil on just dab your skin after your shower don't rub and then put it on. I've also seen some new lotions advertised I might give them a try but first I have to write down the name.

As everyone else has said, NO SHOWERING TWICE A DAY, you've already been given all the reasons.

Eucerin makes a tub of cream, more like wax (ha-ha), that has saved my life several times. It's made for sensitive skin. You'll get immediate relief. Someone mentioned Auqaphor, which is made by the Eucerin company. It is very good, but a little pricey for all-over the body. Just find the tub stuff; you'll see.

My husband has extremely dry skin. Showers make him itch a lot more. He found that if he uses baby oil in the shower it helps him quite a bit.

Good Morning K., First don't shower twice a day. The weather is cold of course and showering so much is drying out your skin even more. Try using Aquaphor healing ointment. We use it on our 15 mo old gr son for his eczema. It cleared it right up. I use it on my legs and feet, elbows, I feel like a baby...Soft, with out the messy diapers and crying lol It has the consistency of Vaseline, but really does help.

You can also use a humidifier in the house, it helps also and you won't get shocked as often either!
The Aquaphor is in a white round pot jar, with dk blue lid. Either in pharmacy or baby section.

God Bless
K. Nana of 5

Don't shower as much. That dries your skin out. And don't use soap every time you shower. I know it sounds gross, but it really works!
For hands that are really dry-Gold Bond Ultimate rocks.

K.,

I am not a Dr., but have suffered from very dry skin for as long as I can remember. From what you have said...stop taking so many showers!!! Take showers even every other day if you can get away with it. And you may want to pay attention the the soap you are using, it may say it is mosturizing but is most likely drying out your skin. Pretty much anything you can buy at WalMart, etc. is terrible for your skin. Soaking in tubs is the worst! Also, the hotter the shower the more of your body's natural moisture you will lose.

I used to get horrible itchy skin when I worked outside of the house. I used to use the body splash spray that is sold at Bath and Body after every shower and it would really help with my dry skin. I'd spray it all over. Not sure if this will help with allergies though, good luck!

Hot showers can dry out your skin. I put baby oil all over my body while I'm still wet in the shower. Then I dry off. It helps to trap in the moisture. It works for me.
Good luck.

First of all, you're showering way to much! Bathing and showering actually dries out the skin! You only really need to shower every other day and then it should be a very short shower. Your soap may also be helping to dry out your skin. The only places that really need soap are your groin area, armpits, and feet; the rest can be cleaned just fine with only water. It's winter and we don't get very dirty/sweaty so there's not such an urgency to clean. Instead of lotions have you tried using creams? They are thicker and better for very dry skin. You might also try something like Gold Bond medicated brand.

a couple of hints, my son has eczema so these might help. #1 take fewer showers, not more, and in cooler water. long or multiple showers in hot water strips away your skin's natural oils and makes it drier, and make sure to moisturize really well as soon as you dry off. #2 there is a lotion called Dermarest that is for eczema but it works wonders for my son's skin. they have special lotions for extremely dry skin/psoriasis/eczema, so maybe one of those would work. you can try asking your pharmacist. good luck!

Quit showering twice a day...if you can get away with it, only shower every other day...during winter, showering will make your skin even more dry. Be sure to put lotion on right after your shower (your pores are open and can absorb it better).

this is an edit: oops ~ sorry i didn't read the other responses before i replied...i think i said the same thing as many others! LOL!!

K.,
I know others have recommended Melaleuca.com. My whole family swears by it. My husbands family has horribly dry skin. After using the soap and the lotion (Renew) he won't use anything else. Anyway, if you are in St.Louis area and would like a sample before you order (since you have to order online) I have some that you can try.

I work at a pharmacy...so I will give you my most common response....talk to you pharmacist!!! It might just be dry skin...in which case you will be able to get a suggestion of a good lotion to use...BUT..it could be something else...the pharmacist will be able to recognize what the possible cause is. If it isn't dry skin...then applying lotion may be making the condition more irritated. Talk to a professional and see what they have to say!!

K.,

I know you have lots of answers here but wanted to tell you that I too am a Melaleuca customer and love their products! My husband has problems with his skin and the only lotion we found that works is the renew from Melaleuca. The lotion I use is one I get from my daughter who is a cosmetologist, it is from Joico, has the shower gel and lotion and I love it as I have very dry skin. So there are a couple of options for you. If you have problems with allergies, melaleuca is great, my grandson has allergies and it is the only laundry products my daughter can use because of his allergies. If you have questions you can contact me at ____@____.com that helps!

Any lotion with colloidal oatmeal and tepid, not hot, showers. (Hot showers zap the moisture right out of your skin.)

To add to the other advice about only one shower a day...you may consider showering every other day, using vaginal wipes for your female parts and sponge bathe the armpits on the days you don't shower. That will keep your skin from drying out so much.

Angie

My Grandma has really dry skin and she is supposed to bathe as little as possible. So, twice a day may be too much! Also, don't go outside right after bathing. I hope this helps you!

I too have dry skin. I found that too much bathing actually takes out the natural oils in your skin and makes it worse. It is better to take sponge bathes daily only washing the smelliest areas, arm pits, bottom and feet. Then shower once or twice a week. Continue with the lotion. We have a tight budget. I have found that Suave Oatmeal lotion works well for me and is not very expensive. Try also using a moisturizing soap gel rather than a harsh antibacterial bar soap for your most dry areas. Dry skin can also be a sign of dehydration. Make sure you are drinking plenty of water on a regular bases. Hope this helps. C. B.

Try Emu oil it is all natural and helps with all kinds of skin problems. It is the only thing that helps with my daughters exzema. It is wonderful you can find and at health stores or at www.herbalhealer.com that is where I get mine. Good luck.

Hi K.,

I am expecting a baby and she seems to suck all my moisture. I have been rubbing myself down with straight Vitamin E oil. I put it all over myself and rub it in and then put my jammies on so I don't get everything I sit on oily. It has really made a difference on my elbows, heels, cuticles and lips. The whole rest of me seems much better too. I found it in the vitamin section at Target but I am sure other places have it too. It is just a little bottle and looked like vegetable oil. It is wonderful!

Totally agree with the Aveeno body wash and lotion(Walmart sells equate brand) and fewer showers. But try to put the lotion on while your skin is still damp, I read this and it seems to help. One more thing someone told me that works if you can stand the oil in your bath is how to make a really nice exfoliant. While you are in the shower mix some brown sugar and baby oil and rub it all over. It works really well and the brown sugar washes right down the drain. Sorry, haven't found any easy clean up solution for the baby oil.

I can share your pain!! I have learned the hotter the water and the more you shower the worse the itch is, I would only bathe once a day (or less if you can). You should look for cleansers that list the first ingredient as water and it really helps if they contain oatmeal or shea butter or vitamin E, and it always helps me to use body butter in the winter instead of lotion. I hope you can find some relief! :)

When you said you shower twice a day, the red flag went up for me. You are washing away any natural oil that your body is trying to replenish from the first bath w/the second bath. My pediatrician told me not to give the baby's a bath everyday in the winter. Every other day will be just as good. So I figured that was good for babies and it was good for me. Also oatmeal collodial soap might help, this is for people w/chicken pox also. good luck

Boy K. do I know what you are talking about!!I have had this problem for about 5 years. You should see my collection of lotions! Believe it or not all that showering is actually making your problem worse! The soap and the water actually dries out your skin more. Its a cyclical thing. I have tried the meds and lotions and soaps that the doctor recommended but none ever worked real well. My solution came when I thought "who has the most sensitive skin?" babies! So I now use Johnsons Baby wash in the shower, whatever scent you like. Then use Aveeno's Baby cream (it comes in a large tube) in the morning and when needed during the day. I also put Watkins Menthol Camphor (yes, that stuff that your grandma put on your chest when you had a cold...not vicks..it doesn't work) at night before bed. Also, and most important..a humidifier. I have one in the family room and one in the bedroom. You are trying to put moisture back in your skin and then seal it in, protecting it from drying out.

Hope this helps!!

Taking a shower twice a day will only make the problem worse. The only thing I have found for me is baby oil. After you wash, get the water as hot as you can and apply the baby oil to your dry spots and lightly rinse under the water and then towel dry.It works for me. Just be careful not to slip in the shower! lol. Hope you find a solution soon, E.

You're using too much water! (Hot water is terrible for dry skin!) Don't shower so often or for so long! As soon as you get out of the shower, you need to slather on a thick, fragrance free lotion or cream. Don't use bar soap; use a special liquid soap like phisoderm and don't even towel off. You need to trap as much moisture in your skin as you can. I use lubriderm anti-itch religiously. It's not greasy so it absorbs quickly. I have tried many things in the past as suggested by my daughter's pediatrician, so after many trials and errors, we finally found what worked best! Good luck to you!

Well, in winter time it is best to shower less not more. The hot water washes off our natural oil wich protects & lubricates our skin. So, only shower once and in warm not hot water for no more than 10 minutes. I like to use almond oil as soon as I get out of the shower. I am a red head and suffer from dry skin as well and this really helps. I don't have any nut allergies so look into whether or not this would work for you. There is also coco butter oil and other alternatives that you could use. You might need to use some cortizone cream to help relieve the itch for a bit.

Hot showers are awful for dry skin. The best you can do is apply oil after you get out and before you dry, and use a lotion that has oatmeal in it. A humidifier in the home may help too. I suffer from extremely dry skin most of the time but winter is definately the worst from the hot dry air coming out of the heat vents.

I have to agree with others that have said to cut back on the showers. You would think that the water would help moisterize your skin but all it does is suck the moisture out. I also heard a trick a long time ago that has helped me. Right before you get out of the shower, put conditioner all over like you would body wash and then rinse it off.

I would not shower so often as it takes the oils off your skin which is what you want on there to keep it from getting too dry. Also don't use very hot water as that dries out your skin.

My daughter gets really dry skin, so we put baby oil in her bath. She says that she doesn't feel so itchy if we do. I put baby oil on after showers, too. I get little patches of dry skin on my belly, arms and legs. Lotion never seems to help me. Sometimes I even feel worse after putting on lotion.

I would not shower so much, maybe every other day. And then just wash your hair under sink faucet and sponge bath other imperative areas of your body. If I showered every day in the winter, my skin would be a mess. By showering, you are washing off your body's natural oils that it needs to stay healthy.

You should not be taking so many showers, that makes it worse. Only shower every other day, use a gentle soap like Dove, Ivory or the Aveeno in the baby section. Completely towel dry. Make sure you are using a good lotion and not one with perfume. Ask the pharmacist for a suggested lotion. These suggestions made my life much better.

Good luck,
D.

hello what kind of soap do you use? my son had the same problem and we switched from bodywash to bar soap. try dove or caress bar soap. also try gold bond ultimate healing lotion with aloe. it has a clean scent and works wonders. if this doesn't help you may need to see your family doctor. hope you get better!

You are showering too much. You are washing off your body's natural oils that mosturize your skin. Try showering a lot less and you will notice a difference, and your hair will get shinier too

First of all, stop showering twice a day. My guess is that's your main problem. Only shower once per day. If the dry skin is really bad, only shower every other day and spot clean as necessary. When you're in the shower try not to make the water too hot and try not to stay in too long. Taking too long of a shower and too hot will dry out your skin.

You might also try switching soaps. I have horribly dry skin in the winter, but I recently switched to the glycerin soap sold at Whole Foods, no fragrance, no dyes, all natural, and my skin is much better, I don't even really have to use lotion. And as far as lotion goes, try finding a lotion without alcohol, and something without dyes and fragrances is also a plus.

Next, if you suspect it's an allergy issue, consider switching your laundry soap & fabric softener/dryer sheets to something a little more gentle. Again, something free of dyes and fragrances is best.

I agree with debbie s. I am also a melaleuca customer and the renew is the best thing you can use.

I have problems every winter with severe dry skin. I happen to stumble on this product called Aveeno and I started using the lotion and I also use the body wash. I apply the lotion after I have dried off and again before bed and when I get up for the day and I use it on my hands and arms throughout the day at work. Try this and see if it helps. I get a real nasty dry patch on my left side and when I keep using the lotion it goes away. My best friend uses it too and she has eczema really bad as well. It helps her out as well.

After each shower I put on baby oil, let is soak in a bit then "pat" myself dry. Then I apply lotion.
It may take a little bit, but the results are great.

Good Luck.

Try a dehumidifier in the winter. It will pump moisture
in the air and should help with your skin. Also, I use vaseline for my hands and feet and sleep in gloves and
socks to keep it on overnight. You'd be amazed at how
much it helps.

Hi, K.--

I highly recommend apply almond, grapeseed, or jojoba oil (instead of lotion) right after you shower. I used to have severely dry skin like you describe...to the point it was painful and itchy. One or a combination of these natural oils has been a life saver! I prefer them over baby oil since they are natural...baby oil is just mineral oil with fragrances. And mineral oil is a petroleum product--made of hydrocarbons--which is not good for the body.

All the best to you,

T.