Tips for Winter Skin Health

Submitted by Patrick Hatfield on

Winter skin can be quite uncomfortable for most.  Dryness of the hands, feet, and face can cause a tightness and dry feeling that can cause the skin to itch. The skin will flake and crack due to its lack of moisture.  There are some tips out there that can keep your skin as healthy as possible during the dry, winter months.

Moisture for the Season – Moisturizing is very important for your skin.  However, moisturizers should change as the seasons change.  In the warmer weathers, light moisturizers are fine, like the ones that are water-based.  Winter moisturizers should be more oil-based, to create a protective layer on the skin and lock moisture inside.

Specialist – There are specialists out there, dermatologists, which can give great skin care advice.  They can assess your skin and determine what skin type you have and what types of products would work well with your skin.  These skin care products do not have to be expensive, they can be of the everyday variety.  Let the professionals tell you what your skin needs and prepare for the healthiest skin this winter.

Sunscreen – Sunscreen is to be used year round. Even when it is no longer warm outside the sun is still shining and the glare from the snow can cause sunburn and damage.  Make sure you are protecting your skin, regardless of the season.

Humidify the Air – Place several small humidifiers throughout your home.  Hot air is sent through your central air systems and it causes drying of the skin.  Adding in humidifiers helps to rebalance the moisture in the air and keep your skin feeling a little more hydrated.

Keep Temperatures Lower – Make sure you keep the water at a warm temperature and not too hot, which will cause drying of the skin and a loss of moisture.  Hot baths and showers strip the skin of natural oils that keep the skin moisturized.

Soap Usage – Most soaps are incredibly drying to the skin.  The more they lather the more they are probably stealing your skin of moisture.  Consider cleaning only necessary parts and rinsing the rest of your skin with water to alleviate the loss of moisture.

Dry Brush – When your skin is dry and flaky, dry brushing can exfoliate.  Using a dry brush will slough off dead skin and leave your body feeling smoother and moisturized.  It also stimulates circulation and removal of toxins from the body.

Avoid Alcohol-based Cleansers – There are alcohol-based products that will dry out the skin.  Looking at beauty product labels is necessary during the winter, as alcohol-based products like toners and cleansers should be minimized during the winter months.

Natural Remedies – There are many all-natural ingredients that can be used to moisturize the skin and provide healing properties.  Some of these ingredients include, aloe vera, avocado oil, coconut oil, honey, jojoba oil, and banana.

Limit Caffeine/Alcohol – Make sure to limit the amount of dehydrating liquids you consume.  Limit caffeine and alcohol from your diet to keep the body hydrated.