Prevent Dry Skin This Winter

With winter right around the corner, the threat of dry, itchy skin is real!

Between the cold air outside and our dwellings being pumped with heat, there is a distinct lack of moisture in the air. On top of that, in this dry weather the water on the surface of your skin evaporates at a quicker pace, making your skin feel dry and tight.

The good news is that you can prevent dryness from getting out of hand in cold weather. You just need to follow these key tips:

1) Make Sure the Soap You Use Is Mild

Most antibacterial soaps (and many deodorant soaps) are harsher on your skin, so if your skin is getting dry and flaky this is probably a good time of year to take a break from using them. In fact, regular soap is all that experts say we need to remove germs anyway.

2) Avoid Hot Showers

Tempting as hot showers are when there is a chill in the air, they can exacerbate dryness by depleting the skin of necessary natural oil. Just a big no, no.

3) Never Forget Lotion

Always make sure to always apply body after showering. The best time to apply lotion is right after your shower, when your skin is just a bit damp. This will help to seal in needed moisture. Also pay extra attention to those places that tend to get most dry (and cracked) heels and elbows. 

​4) Avoid Excessive Hand Washing

As conscious as we all are about getting sick in winter, excessive hand washing strips necessary natural oil from your skin and can quickly lead to dry, chapped hands. When you do wash your hands always follow up with hand cream.

5) Invest in a Humidifier

Adding back some of the lost moisture in the air via a humidifier can be a very helpful trick to combat the dryness that always comes with heat filled rooms.

The first place you should put a humidifier is in your bedroom since you probably regularly spend 7 to 8 continuous hours there every night.

6) Protect Your Skin When Out in the Cold

It may take a few minutes more before you head out the door, but don't forget to wear gloves and a scarf to cover exposed skin. The more skin that is exposed to cold air, the greater the risk for those areas to become dry, flaky or chapped.

​7) ​Don't Neglect Your Lips​

Chapped lips are a very common, yet uncomfortable problem in winter. The good news is that you can easily prevent chapped lips. Just make sure to use lip balm before venturing outside in the cold, especially if you plan on being outside for a while. It is also good practice to apply a balm (or rich ointment) at bedtime as you do with your facial moisturizer.

There you have it. Now you can enjoy a winter without dry skin issues!