Skin tips – Useful advice for the health of your skin

Eucerin offers a range of beneficial skincare tips for the most frequently treated skin condition: dry skin. Here are the most relevant tips that may help improve your dry skin´s condition. Nonetheless, it is recommended that you discuss these tips with your doctor or dermatologist to ensure they are suitable for your skin condition.

When skin becomes dry, it may also become itchy, rough, flaky or scaly. Learn more about managing dry skin and tips for your specific dry skin needs.

• Avoid extremes of climate. Very hot, cold or dry air can upset the moisture balance of the skin.
• Use a humidifier in winter to prevent the air from becoming too dry.
• Dry skin can be a side effect of many medications. Always check with a doctor or pharmacist to see if your medication may contribute to dry skin.
• Wear clothes made of natural materials like cotton and silk that do not irritate the skin. Wool, although natural, can at times be scratchy and can sometimes irritate skin.
• Don´t use strong soaps or hot water that strip away natural skin oils.
• A sunscreen for dry skin should not contain perfumes or dyes, as they can lead to irritation.

There is no cure for atopic skin and the associated flare-ups. However, regular application of suitable skin care products can help alleviate symptoms like dry, itchy skin, and help prolong the time in-between flare-ups.

• Cool temperatures, particularly at night, are helpful because sweating due to warm temperatures can cause skin irritation and itch.
• Relaxation exercises such as yoga and meditation can help reduce stress – stress is one of the factors that can trigger eczema flare-ups.
• Maintain a diary of environmental factors and dietary intake to identify any that trigger eczema symptoms.
• Skin care products can be kept in the fridge as cooled creams offer additional soothing relief.
• Pat the skin rather than scratch it. Patting soothes skin but doesn’t damage it. Avoid using cosmetic brushes or harsh sponges.
• Take showers rather than baths, while keeping the temperature warm, but not hot. It is best not to shower too frequently.

• If suffering from itch during the night it might help to wear cotton gloves at night to prevent scratching during sleep.
• Do not smoke around children - passive cigarette smoke can trigger eczema.
• Keep your child's fingernails short and smooth so the child cannot scratch and damage the skin.
• Restrict bath time to 5 to 10 minutes, use warm - not hot- water, and do not use bubble baths.

With sensitive skin, the natural protective barrier is affected. Learn about the importance of skin’s natural defenses and how to manage sensitive skin.

• Establishing a regular daily skin care routine can help manage sensitive skin.
• Change your bathing habits: excessive washing and hot water can dry skin out and make it more sensitive.
• Ensure to choose daily care products that are free of common irritants such as alcohol, fragrance and dyes.

Learn more about aging skin and how to implement a holistic approach in order slow the signs of aging.

• A healthy diet, rich in fruits and vegetables can help ensure an intake of anti-oxidants to potentially reduce the damaging effects of free radicals on the skin.
• Reduce smoking and drinking – both alcohol and nicotine increase the free radical damage that can accelerate premature skin aging.
• Help protect the skin daily from the damaging effects of the suns' UVA/UVB rays by using a broad-spectrum SPF product of at least SPF 15 to slow premature skin aging, and help prevent wrinkles and a loss of volume.
• Wear sunglasses to also help protect the delicate skin around the eyes from the sun.

UV exposure may damage our skin´s natural barrier. Learn how to reduce the dangers by following some helpful advice:

• Avoid the intense mid-day sun, which is usually from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m, although this depends on your location.
• Apply sunscreen before sun exposure and re-apply after 2 hours, if necessary, especially when sweating or swimming.
• Re-apply sunscreen frequently in order to maintain an adequate level of sun protection, especially after sweating or swimming.
• Wear long-sleeved shirts, pants, hat and sunglasses.
• Keep children well covered, including a sun hat, t-shirt and sunglasses, and in the shade as much as possible.