Moisturize, Take shorter showers and baths and avoid scented soaps. There are many causes of dry skin, including harsh soaps, environmental factors such as cold weather and dry heat, and prolonged exposure to water such as swimming, showers, and baths. No matter what the case may be, the best way to treat dry skin at home is to be nice to your skin! The best home remedies for dry skin include the following: moisturizing; taking cooler, shorter showers and baths, and skipping scented soaps and shower gels.