Dry Skin and Diabetes

A great article even if you don't have diabetes.

Learn how to soothe dry, itchy skin, especially during the cold winter months.

By Lynn Yoffee

Medically reviewed by Cynthia Haines, MD

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Itchy, dry skin, also known as xerosis, is a distraction we can all do without. It's uncomfortable and the cracked, flaky, red skin can be unattractive. If you scratch a lot, bacteria can invade those cracks and then you might even develop an infection.

The good news: You can manage dry skin even if you can't control the environmental conditions that cause it, such as cold weather or central heating.

Skin Care for Dry Skin

First, cut back on washing. "Overwashing, particularly long, hot showers, is the number one reason for dry skin," says Bruce Robinson, MD, Manhattan-based dermatologist and spokesperson for the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD).

His recommendations for people with dry skin? "Decrease their frequency of bathing, use a mild soap, and don't soap the whole body every day. And, moisturize, moisturize, moisturize."

With so many different types of moisturizers available, finding the right one for your needs can be a challenge — should you choose a lotion, a cream, or an ointment?

Dermatologist Susan C. Taylor, MD, assistant clinical professor of dermatology, College of Physicians and Surgeons of Columbia University in New York, recommends moisturizers that contain ceramides, natural lipid molecules that contain fatty acids. "Ceramides have a natural moisturizing factor. If you add ceramide to lotions and cleansers, you replace them in the skin. That's the newest twist on moisturizers," she explains.

Besides looking for a moisturizer that contains ceramides, Dr. Taylor, who is also a spokesperson for the AAD, says it's wise to choose an ointment or cream over lotion. In fact, good old-fashioned petrolatum (petroleum jelly, such as Vaseline and similar store brands) can be the most effective choice.

"The oils in petrolatum trap moisture in the skin and provide a barrier from the outside environment," Taylor says. "As long as you're not acne-prone, I don't have a problem with using petrolatum."

Dry Skin Care in Winter

It can be particularly difficult to maintain soft, pliant skin in colder weather. Take these steps to keep your skin in good shape during the winter:

• Take brief, lukewarm showers or baths. Pat dry and then immediately apply moisturizer.
• Try using a humidifier to relieve the dryness in the air. Be sure to clean it regularly according to the manufacturer's instructions to avoid mold.
• Protect your skin from the elements. Shield yourself from extreme cold and wind with layered clothing, hats, gloves, and warm shoes. Don't forget to use petrolatum-based lip balm to avoid chapped lips.
• Always use sunscreen. Regardless of the season or the weather, exposure to the sun can lead to not only dry skin, but also early aging and skin cancer.
• Apply moisturizer several times a day if needed. Older adults need to pay even more attention to their skin to keep it supple, attractive, and comfortable. As part of the normal aging process, our skin tends to lose some natural oils, making us dryer, according to Taylor. "Make sure you apply a moisturizer several times a day, particularly as you mature," she says.

Dry Skin Care: Other Considerations

In addition to what you should do, what not to do is also important when you have dry skin. There are products that you may want to steer clear of:

• Any health and beauty aid that can be very drying to the skin, like regular, non-moisturizing face and body bar soaps. Unless you are otherwise directed by your doctor, look for a mild, pH balanced soap-free cleanser instead.
• Acne-fighting chemicals, like benzoyl peroxide.

How your skin reacts, and what you should avoid, is very unique to each person. Talk to your doctor or dermatologist about your skin care regimen and see if any of the products you’re using contain ingredients that could be making your dry skin drier.

If you can't seem to get a severe case of dry skin under control, and certainly if you develop an infection, see a dermatologist for an evaluation and treatment. A fresh look at how to care for your skin might give you the improvement you’re looking for.