10 Ways To Help Your Skin During the Winter.

I don’t know about where you live but here in my part of Alaska, it is extremely cold. The temperature is in the range of -38 with a wind chill taking it down to -58. That means the weather is bad for my skin. Fortunately there are ways to protect the skin during these snaps of cold weather.

Don’t be afraid of investing in a humidifier. Running a humidifier at home, in your bedroom, or at the office can put additional moisture in the air and help protect your skin by keeping it hydrated. This important since the cold weather can suck moisture out and leave your skin, especially your face red and irritated.

Next keep your thermostat between 68 and 72 degrees for the optimum temperature for your skin because central heat can make the air extremely dry and suck moisture out of the air and your skin. Forget those long, hot, steamy showers because they are not good for your skin because it can irritate your skin and dry it out, It is better to take a short lukewarm shower. In addition, there is research indicating that warm to cool water can effectively get rid of germs as hot water.

When you wash your hands, look for unscented moisturizing soaps because regular soaps can irritate hands more in the winter. It is also suggested people use less soap to prevent winter dryness. I prefer using gentle liquid soaps as I find they work better and are less irritating than bar soaps.

It is also recommenced that you switch to more cream based cleaners and moisturizers. One should also cut back on toners and astringents because many are alcohol based and alcohol can dry out your skin. I use non alcohol based toners all year round because I’ve found they leave my skin in much better shape.

Don’t forget to use lotions and creams all over your body including your hands because it is too easy for them to dry out. By applying creams and lotions to all parts of your body, you avoid the flakey dry skin problem and the red irritated skin problem. In addition, use the cream or lotion on your hands every time you wash them or do dishes. If you use gloves when washing dishes it can help your hands from drying out.

Even though it is winter, you should always use sunscreen, even on gray overcast days. On sunny days, the snow can reflect up to 80 percent of the sun’s rays so you can get burned. It’s like the sun reflecting off the water. The other reason is that the sun’s UV rays still come through and can damage your skin.

Another thing is to watch the fabrics you wear in the winter because some can irritate your already dry skin.  Some of the fabrics to keep away from direct contact with your skin include wool and other rough materials that rub against your dry skin.   Instead wear lighter breathable materials between your skin and the rough fabrics to protect your skin.  Don't forget your hands.  Use a non-irratating glove or if you want to wear wool gloves, use silk or cotton liners first.

People often think that because it's winter, one doesn't have to worry about staying hydrated but that is not correct.  It is important to consume enough liquids and make sure one takes supplements such as fish oil or flax oil to help the skin from the inside.  

Finally, if your clothing gets damp or wet, remove them as soon as possible to prevent additional skin irritation.  One last thing, if your dry skin continues even after all these things, try some one percent hydrocortisone cream purchased over the counter.  That often helps but if it doesn't, check with your doctor to see if he has anything he can recommend.

I hope these help you keep your dry skin under control.  I use most of them myself because I'm always fighting dry skin all winter long.  Let me know what you think, I'd love to hear. Have a great day.