Dry, itchy, scaly skin seems to be a part of winter, and it’s easy to see why. Winter air is dry compared to summer air, which is full of humidity and moisture. Your skin suffers during the chilly, snowy months; however, you only need to make a few changes to your daily routine to avoid flaky, cracked skin. If lack of moisture is one of your concerns, you’ll appreciate the following tips for combating dry skin this winter.
Moisturize After You Shower
Ironically, we get wet in the shower, and our skin dries out as soon as we turn the water off. Hot water sucks the moisture out of your skin, and it’s even worse for you in the winter.
Dry off after your shower, and while your skin is slightly damp, use a good moisturizing lotion or body oil on your skin.
Add a Humidifier
A whole-house humidifier is an excellent choice in the winter. These devices attach to your furnace and send moisture throughout the house, according to your chosen settings.
You can also add moisture to individual rooms by:
- Leaving boiling water to steam on the stove
- Placing pans of water on top of radiators or vents
- Using portable humidifiers
- Running a hot shower
- Hanging laundry to dry around the house
Use a Water Softener
Water softeners will save your skin year-round, but they are especially helpful during the dry winter months. Water softeners take the hardness out of water, preventing the water from depositing minerals on your skin, hair, and scalp when you wash. These minerals dry out your skin and cause other problems, too, such as clogged pores and skin flare-ups. If you already have a water softener, make sure you know when to refill the salt in your water softener tank to ensure it never stops softening the water.
Overnight Treatments
Treat your skin to overnight treatments so that you feel moisturized the next day. Overnight treatments are great since you aren’t using your hands while you sleep, meaning your skin can relax and absorb the moisture. Use these helpful overnight moisture tips as you explore this method.
- Use thicker creams that take more time to absorb since these products are tough to use in the morning.
- Cover cracked hands in petroleum jelly and put gloves over your hands while you sleep.
- Dab eye cream around your eyes, but don’t rub it in. Let it slowly soak in as you sleep.
- Use hair oil before bed to moisturize your scalp.
- Apply body lotion or oil before bed.
No matter what your daily skin routine is, remember to always wear sunscreen during the day, even in the winter.
As you follow these tips for combating dry skin this winter, you may find your winter skin has never looked better!
