How to stop skin drying out in winter?

If you live in a place that gets cold and dry during the winter months, your skin often pays for it. The dry air sucks the moisture out of your skin and can lead to dryness, cracking and even bleeding if it gets bad enough. So, how do you reduce the effects of that dry winter skin?

  1. Avoid showering with hot water. Hot showers and baths feel amazing when you come in from cold temperatures. However, it isn’t good for your skin. It will strip your natural oils and make your skin even drier. Stick to lukewarm water. Remember this when washing your hands and face too.
  2. Moisturize after you wash your hands, face or body. After you shower, apply lotion to damp skin. The lotion will soak into your skin more effectively. Keep lotion next to your sink and shower so you will remember every time.
  3. You may need to switch up your moisturizers. If you like a thinner moisturizer for summer months that helps oily skin, you might need to switch to one that is more effective for dry skin.
  4. Get a humidifier. The air in your home can get very dry from the furnace heat, so invest in a humidifier to put some moisture back into the air. This can also be helpful in keeping you healthy during winter months.
  5. Don’t forget sunscreen. Just because the sun isn’t out as often as it is during the summer, you can still get burned or get damage from the sun in the winter. Put on sunscreen when you’re outside and wear gloves, hats, and scarves to protect your skin.
  6. Hydrate! Don’t forget that your body needs just as much water in the winter. Stay hydrated and your skin will stay more hydrated too. If you can’t get enough of warm drinks, drink some warm water with lemon.
  7. If your skin is so dry it is cracking and bleeding, apply a thick moisturizer before bed and wear gloves and socks to seal in the moisture while you sleep.
  8. You may need to exfoliate. Dry skin can also be due to excess dead skin cells. Use a gentle exfoliator at least once a week. Don’t forget to moisturize right after.
  9. If your face is feeling very dry, try a moisturizing face mask. You can make your own with ingredients you have in your home or you can buy many versions. Do you love using face masks?
  10. Lastly, avoid any irritants and allergens. Your skin might be more sensitive in the winter, so avoid anything that will irritate your skin further. If you buy a new product, make sure to patch test it before you use it all over. This can help you avoid any serious or annoying allergic reactions.

What other ways do you care for dry winter skin? Does your skin get drier during the winter?

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