The best dry skin remedies are simple: moisturise at least twice a day, apply it while your skin is still damp after a shower, swap soap for a gentle soap-free wash, and keep showers short and lukewarm. Most dry skin improves with a steady daily routine. If it’s red, cracked, very itchy or not getting better, it’s worth getting it checked.
This guide is part of our common illnesses A–Z, where you’ll find practical advice on everyday health concerns.
What is dry skin?
Dry skin (doctors call it xerosis) happens when the outer layer of your skin loses moisture and its protective oils. That outer layer works like a barrier, keeping water in and irritants out. When it dries out, it can’t do that job as well, so skin feels tight, rough and sometimes itchy.
Signs of dry skin
- skin that feels tight, especially after showering or swimming;
- a rough, dull or flaky surface;
- fine lines or small cracks, often on the shins, hands and heels;
- itching;
- in more severe cases, deeper cracks that can sting or bleed.
healthdirect notes that dry skin usually looks flaky and rough but isn’t usually very itchy or red. If your skin is very red, inflamed or intensely itchy, it may be eczema or another skin condition rather than simple dryness.
What causes dry skin?
You might think dry skin is only a winter problem, but life on the Gold Coast brings its own triggers:
- Air conditioning. Hours in air-conditioned offices, cars and shopping centres dry out the air and your skin. DermNet lists excessive air conditioning as a cause.
- Salt water, chlorine and sun. Daily swims and time in the sun can leave skin feeling parched if you don’t rinse and moisturise afterwards.
- Hot, long showers. Hot water strips natural oils from the skin.
- Soap and harsh washes. healthdirect notes soap can make skin dry and itchy.
- Weather. healthdirect says dry, itchy skin can happen in hot or cold, dry weather.
- Age. The Better Health Channel explains older skin has fewer oil and sweat glands, so it’s more prone to dryness, roughness and itching.
- Health conditions and medicines. DermNet lists conditions such as an underactive thyroid and kidney disease, along with some medicines, as possible causes.
Your dry skin remedies checklist
Here’s the routine we suggest at the counter. Try as many as you can for a couple of weeks and see how your skin responds.
In the shower
- Keep showers short and the water lukewarm, not hot.
- Swap soap, foaming body washes and bubble baths for a soap-free, fragrance-free wash.
- Pat your skin dry with a towel rather than rubbing.
- Rinse off salt water and chlorine as soon as you can after swimming.
Moisturising
- Moisturise straight after showering, while your skin is still damp. healthdirect and DermNet both recommend this to help lock in moisture.
- Apply moisturiser all over at least twice a day, as healthdirect suggests, and more often if your skin feels dry.
- Choose a thicker cream or ointment for very dry areas such as heels, elbows and shins. Lighter lotions may suit your face and body in humid weather.
- Keep a hand cream by the sink and reapply after washing your hands.
Everyday habits
- Drink enough water through the day, especially in hot weather.
- Wear soft, breathable fabrics like cotton against dry or itchy skin.
- Use gentle, fragrance-free laundry products if your skin is sensitive.
- Keep your nails short and try not to scratch. healthdirect notes the more you scratch, the more your skin itches.
- Protect your skin from the sun, which also dries and damages skin over time.
- Consider a humidifier in dry, air-conditioned rooms, which healthdirect suggests may help in dry weather.
Choosing a moisturiser: what to look for
There’s no single best moisturiser. The right one depends on how dry your skin is, where it’s dry and what feels comfortable to wear. As a rough guide:
| Type | What it’s like | Often suits |
|---|---|---|
| Lotion | Light, absorbs quickly | Mildly dry skin, humid days, large areas |
| Cream | Thicker, more moisturising | Moderately dry skin, everyday use |
| Ointment | Greasy, very protective | Very dry or cracked skin, overnight use |
DermNet notes moisturisers containing humectants, which draw water into the skin, can work well for dry skin. Fragrance-free options are usually gentler on sensitive skin. Ask your pharmacist which suits you.
How your pharmacist can help
Our pharmacists and beauty advisors can:
- look at your skin and help work out whether it’s simple dryness or something like eczema or dermatitis;
- help you choose a moisturiser and soap-free wash for your skin type, budget and lifestyle;
- suggest options for cracked heels, dry hands and itchy skin;
- check whether any of your regular medicines might be playing a part;
- let you know when you need to see a GP, as some stronger creams for inflamed skin need a prescription.
For help building a simple daily routine, our team offers skincare advice in store.
When to see a GP about dry skin
See your doctor if:
- your skin hasn’t improved after a couple of weeks of regular moisturising;
- it’s red, swollen, weeping or crusted, or looks infected;
- you have deep, painful cracks;
- you’re very itchy but there’s no rash;
- the itch is so bad it’s keeping you awake;
- you feel unwell or have a fever;
- you also have other symptoms, such as tiredness, weight changes or feeling cold all the time, which could point to an underlying health condition.
Several of these red flags come from healthdirect’s advice on itchy skin. Your GP can check for conditions such as eczema, psoriasis or thyroid problems, and may refer you to a dermatologist if needed.
Talk to our pharmacists at Pacific Fair
If air-con, sun and salt water have left your skin feeling tight and itchy, our team can help you put together a simple routine that works. Pop in, with no appointment needed. Find us on the ground floor of Pacific Fair Shopping Centre, Broadbeach, open 7 days (until 9pm Thursdays), or call (07) 5592 2099.
Written by the Priceline Pharmacy Pacific Fair team. Reviewed by Jason Markey (BPharmSci, MPharm), Pharmacist.
Sources
This article is general information only and isn’t a substitute for personal advice from your doctor or pharmacist. Always read the label and follow the directions for use. If symptoms persist or you’re worried, talk to your pharmacist or GP. In an emergency, call 000.