Winter weather can cause dry, flaky, itchy skin. Find out what you can do to keep your skin soft and smooth all winter long.
Moisturize, moisturize, moisturize
Dry skin is caused by a lack of moisture. Keep your skin hydrated by moisturizing morning and night. For especially dry skin, reapply moisturizer throughout the day. Look for moisturizers with soothing ingredients like aloe and vitamin E.
Learn more about the best moisturizing-lotion ingredients >>
Avoid harsh cleansers
Cleansing products can deplete your skin of its natural moisturizers. Use non-detergent-based, moisturizing cleansers from head to toe. Instead of traditional bath soap, try a hydrating body wash with oils and botanicals that will soothe and protect your skin. Immediately after you get out of the bath or shower, apply your favorite lotion to seal in moisture.
Get a humidifier
For dry skin, a home humidifier is essential. It’s not just the outdoor air that dries your skin. Furnaces and other heat sources take their toll on your skin as well. By running a humidifier in your bedroom, you can return moisture to the air and your skin. A humidifier can also clear out congestion and naturally relieve your cough.
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Skip the bath
Hot water can definitely dry out your skin. Instead of taking a piping hot bath, stick with shorter showers in lukewarm water. Also remember to turn down the temperature when hand washing. The water doesn’t need to be so hot that your skin turns red. Make it a habit to apply moisturizer immediately after washing your hands every single time.
Exfoliate weekly
Regular exfoliation will prep your skin for your moisturizer. Products will be much more effective if you slough away the dead skin cells first. Use a gentle exfoliating product once a week on your body as well as your face.
Read more about how to exfoliate your skin >>
Eat right
Your skin can certainly be affected by your diet. Omega-3 essential fatty acids add moisture to your body and skin. Eat omega-3 rich fatty fish such as salmon, mackerel, herring, sardines, lake trout and albacore tuna a couple of times a week. If you hate fish, you can get omega-3 fatty acids from walnuts, flax seed and hemp seed. Also be sure to drink plenty of water, too.
Cover up
When you go outside in the wintertime, protect your skin from the elements by wearing plenty of warm layers. For particularly harsh weather, a knit scarf can help protect your face from wind and freezing temperatures. Avoid staying outdoors for lengthy periods of time, if at all possible.
Read more about these 12 winter skin care facts you need to know >>
Although you can’t avoid dry skin altogether, these winter skincare tips can help reduce the damage to your skin.
Watch: Winter skin care tips
Learn how to prevent dry skin & irritation during the winter season.
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