1. Hydration Begins on the inside

How much water you drink has a lot to do with how hydrated your skin is. One of the best weapons you have against dry skin is your water bottle. While you can’t change your natural skin type, you can work with it to get it in the best condition possible. Dryness will go way down when you’re well-hydrated. Make it a habit to keep a glass of water close at hand and your skin will thank you.

2. Avoid Harsh Soaps

Soaps and body washes can be confusing. You want to be clean and smell nice but you don’t want to strip all the oils out of your skin. It can be a lot of trial and error until you find the right soap. I’ve done really well with Dove and Caress soaps and body washes. Dove is also a great choice for sensitive skin, too.

3. Choose Healthy for Your Skin Lotions

Moisturizing your skin is extra important when you’ve got naturally dry skin. It’s a step in your daily routine that you should never skip. Again, it can take some time to find a lotion that works and one you love. While fragranced ones from stores like The Body Shop and Bath And Body Works smell yummy, they aren’t always the best choice for your skin. It really depends on how dry your skin is. If the more popular lotions aren’t working for you then try some brands like Aveeno, Eucerin and Lubriderm.

4. Experiment with Body Oils, Body Cream and Body Butter

There’re actually products that deliver more moisture to your skin than lotion. Body oil, body cream and body butter are three of these products. I love body cream and body butter and tend to turn to them in the winter when my skin is more dry than normal. Both feel wonderful but body butter is especially luxurious. Stocking up on ones you love is a good idea too since some are only available at certain times of the year.

5. Prevention is Always Better than Treatment

Prevention is always better than treatment. When it comes to dry skin, it’s definitely better to keep it in check than to have to get it back under control after it’s really dry, flaky and maybe even cracking. That means you always buy the products that work, even if they cost a little more. Also, follow all these tips faithfully. And if your skin starts flaring up into extreme dryness, see your doctor.

6. Wear Gloves & a Scarf when It’s Cold

Gloves and scarves are great at keeping you healthy and warm. They also protect your skin from the harshness of dry, winter air, too. Always bundle up before you go outside in the winter. Another benefit is that gloves and scarves are fun winter accessories. In fact, it’s easier than ever to find a fashionable set!

7. Seeing a Dermatologist May Be Helpful

If your dry skin is causing issues beyond what you can handle on your own, it’s time to see a dermatologist. Not only can they give you a prescription for the problem areas of your skin but they can offer you other useful tips as well. They can give you personalized recommendations about what products would be best for you. It’s a good idea to see a dermatologist yearly for a skin check anyways. This way, you can get the most for your money.

These’re things every girl with dry skin needs to know. Do you have dry skin? Do you have any tips to share?