Using emollients
STEP 4
USING EMOLLIENTS
Emollients are the main treatment for the management of dry skin and they can be used to replace lost moisture whenever skin feels dry or tight. Some customers may be unaware how often and how much they should use. You can be proactive in your conversations with customers and provide them with advice to ensure they obtain maximum benefit from their emollients.8,9
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Emollients are typically under-used which can result in suboptimal treatment of dry skin, which may increase the occurrence of flare ups.
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Emollients should be applied liberally and frequently, even when a customer's skin appears improved or is clear (at least 250-500g each week). The frequency of application will depend on the customer's condition and circumstances; for very dry skin, applying an emollient every 2-3 hours should be considered normal.
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Emollients should be smoothed gently into the skin in the direction of hair growth, not vigorously rubbed.
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It is important to use emollients during or after washing. The skin should be gently dried and the emollient applied while the skin is still moist; experts believe that this may help trap moisture in the skin.
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To ensure frequent application, customers may wish to consider keeping separate packs of emollients at work or school.