5 Tips to Prevent Dry Skin This Winter

El Nino may be dumping rain and snow, but all of that moisture isn’t going to do a thing to help your skin. Every winter is tough on skin. This winter is no different. Here’s 5 tips to prevent dry skin in winter.

Moisturize from the Inside Out to Prevent Dry Skin

Your skin is 64% water. Well, your skin is supposed to be 64% water. Winter can make it tough to keep that normal balance. Between the dry, heated air and the cooler temp’s dulling effect on your desire to drink, your skin cracks or flakes off in chunks. That’s because your skin can’t stay naturally moisturized when your body is dehydrated.

Mild dehydration is defined as a loss of 1% of your body water. You don’t even begin to feel thirsty until you’ve lost 1 to 2% of your body water. That means you must drink before you are thirsty. Don’t think that sip of rum is going to warm you up either. Alcohol is dehydrating, drink water.

Not only does drinking water moisturize from the inside out, but well hydrated skin plumps up. This reduces the appearance of wrinkles and pores.

Bundle Up and Prevent Dry Skin and Itching

Don’t expose skin to cold temperatures. That’s just common sense. But even if temps are mild, if the wind is blowing you need to cover up. Exposed skin is easily dehydrated by the wind. To prevent dry skin, protect against exposure to wind, no matter the temperature.

Make sure your outerwear includes several weights of scarves and gloves. Use scarves to protect your face from the wind. The skin on your hands is thin and is particularly susceptible to drying. Lightweight gloves will protect your skin from the drying effects of the wind and keep your hands dry as well.

Speaking of keeping hands dry, don’t wear wet gloves. They can irritate your skin and even cause eczema flares. Just another reason to have many pairs of gloves!

It can be hard to stay hydrated no matter how much water you drink if the air around you is dry. Combat indoor dry air with single room or multi-room humidifiers. Even bringing moisture levels up to the 30 to 35% range will bring relief to your skin and the membranes that line your nose and sinuses. Humidifiers help prevent dry skin.

Be sure to clean humidifiers frequently and change the water to prevent the build-up of mold and slime. Your humidifier won’t produce white dust if you only use distilled or reverse osmosis water.

Wash with Warm Water

On a chilly night a hot bath might be inviting, but the hot water can break down the lipid barriers in the skin. This causes more moisture loss. Opt for warm water baths and showers. If your skin is dry and itchy, a soak in a warm colloidal oatmeal bath can bring relief.

Avoid use of drying agents like alcohol-based astringents. If you use masks or peels, reduce or eliminate their use during the winter. An occasional scrub with a bit of salt may be all the exfoliating you need.

Moisturize Immediately After Bathing

When you get out of the bath or shower, avoid the temptation to rub with the towel. Sure it gets the blood going, but it also damages your skin.

Pat your skin until it is still damp. While damp apply a generous portion of lotion or cream. Be sure to read labels any only use products that are paraben free and formaldehyde free. Vanicream Skin Cream and Vanicream Lite Lotion are perfect for adding moisture without adding harsh chemicals.

Reapply moisturizers throughout the day. For optimum foot care, apply Vanicream Skin Cream before going to bed. While you snooze it will gently restore dry, cracked skin and relieve itching.

Til Next Time!

Cheryl