Soft, smooth skin is something we all desire, and when the harsh, cold winter season arrives, it can become quite a challenge. Whether you’re spending time outdoors in the chilly air or huddling next to your home’s heating system, either way, dry air is upon us, and it can do a number on our skin from head to toe. Here’s what you can do to soothe and nourish dry, cracked skin.
1. Moisturizer With Oil
The skin on your body also needs pampering from winter weather, so apply a moisturizer that contains oil in the formula. This will help trap much-needed moisture in the skin, says New York City dermatologist Doris Day, M.D.
Day adds that you will know it’s an effective moisturizer for winter if the label lists oil as one of its first five ingredients.
She also recommends products made with humectants like hyaluronic acid, lactic acid, or propylene glycol that draw water in and hold it in your skin.
If you notice any cracks in the skin, wash the area with soap and water, and apply an antibiotic cream to heal the crack and protect it from infection.
2. Pure Cleansing Products
The cold, bitter, winter days are more than enough for our skin, but when you use cleansing products made with alcohol, fragrance, dyes, or perfumes, you could be exacerbating the dry skin issue even further.
Try and apply pure formulas that are gentle and fragrance-free to avoid irritation and extra-dryness. Instead, wash with soaps containing oils and fats for that boost of moisture.
The same goes for detergent for washing clothes and dishes. Unscented is better, and if you’re washing dishes by hand, then wear rubber gloves so that your hands aren’t robbed of their natural moisture. Be prepared ahead of time to prevent chapping from occurring.
3. TLC For The Lips
Dry, chapped, or cracked lips can be uncomfortable and even painful during the winter season. Get in the habit of pampering your lips because they need all the precious hydration they can get.
Your lips are delicate, to begin with, because their thin tissue lacks oil glands to naturally keep them supple and protect them from the environment.
To protect them from the cold weather, put on the best lip gloss for chapped lips made with deeply moisturizing lanolin. It penetrates and seals in moisture.
4. A Bedroom Humidifier
Did you know that when you are asleep at night that plenty of moisture can evaporate from your skin?
It’s true, that is why a humidifier for the bedroom is an excellent idea during wintertime. Health care experts recommend setting it to around 60 percent. The top layer of the epidermis will be replenished at that level.
If you don’t have the budget for a humidifier, dermatologists say that you could always try this solution:
Place a soaking wet towel in a bowl in front of your heating vent to release some moisture into the air.
It’s not the ideal remedy, but it will help a bit.
By the way, you have options when choosing a humidifier, and your pharmacist can help you decide on the right unit. There are three types of portable humidifiers, including hot steam humidifiers (also called “vaporizers”), cool mist humidifiers, and ultrasonic humidifiers.
5. Breathable Fiber Clothing
When we think of winter, we usually reach for woolen garments to stay extra warm and cozy. However, wool can irritate the skin and cause itchiness and even breakouts. Try the merino variety instead as it is softer and more comfortable.
Layering your garments is ideal during those harsh winter days, and cotton and silk are breathable fabrics that are lighter in weight and act as great insulators.
Gentle fabrics should be resting close to your skin, and you can save the wool item as the top, warmer layer.
Fashion experts recommend wearing about three layers. If you add more than that, and they are bulky pieces, you will end up sweating and uncomfortable.
Hey, it’s winter, and your skin needs some tender loving care since most of the moisture is lacking both indoors and outdoors. Follow our five tips, and you will see a remarkable difference. Everyone’s dry, cracked skin deserves soothing, quick relief.
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