I've also been told to avoid showers and to soak in the tub. Use a very mild soap, such as Dove, Tone or Caress, or a soap substitute, such as Eucerin or Cetaphil. Avoid harsh deodorant soaps. If you take a bath, add bath oil to the water to help retain and replenish oil in your skin. After bathing or showering, you may lightly apply a bath oil or lubricating cream, such as Vanicream, Cetaphil or Eucerin, to help replenish moisture in your skin.
Creams are more effective because they contain more oil than lotions do.
You also may apply ointments such as petroleum jelly to specific areas of very dry skin. Increasing the overall humidity in your home may also help improve dry skin. This condition is due to loss of moisture from the skin. It's more common as you age due to decreased natural oil production in the skin. It's also more common in people living in areas of low humidity.