Elderly Dry Skin Treatment. Having some water on your skin when you apply moisturizer (next step) helps hydrate your skin. Avoid long and hot baths and excessively hot water.

Slather on the moisturizer immediately after drying your skin. First pat skin dry with a towel (don't rub), then smooth on your moisturizer. Moisturizers often contain chemicals meant to help your skin hold water, such as urea, alpha.