Whether or not you're prone to having dry skin, the cold weather can strip your skin of its moisture. Rough hands, chapped lips, and itchy legs are not a good look.
This can be especially problematic as skin becomes thinner and drier as we age, which leaves us more prone to chronic dryness, itching, scaling, and cracking. But it doesn't have to be this way.
Here's how to protect your skin from the cold and dry winter weather.
4 TIPS FOR AVOIDING DRY SKIN THIS WINTER
1. SWITCH TO A MOISTURIZING SOAP
If you normally use soaps like Zest, Dial, or Irish Spring, discontinue them when winter rolls around. These soaps are great for cleansing the skin, but at a price; they strip your skin of its natural oils.
Sure that squeaky clean feeling is refreshing, but it isn't good for the winter. That's because the moisture in your skin protects it against the drying winter weather. To combat this, use mild soaps like Dove.
You can also switch to cleansers as they tend to contain more moisturizing ingredients.
2. AVOID HOT SHOWERS AND BATHS
Hot showers can feel amazing during winter, but the hot temperatures can dry out the skin. Use lukewarm water instead.
Also, limit your time in the shower, which also helps limit your skin's exposure to irritating temperatures.
3. PAT YOUR SKIN DRY
When you get out of the shower, don't rub vigorously with a towel. Instead, gently pat your skin dry. If not, you can cause irritation to the skin, and of course, dry it out.
Plus, tugging at the skin with a towel can make it lose elasticity over time.
4. APPLY MOISTURIZER DAILY
After showering, you should always apply a moisturizer to restore any moisture that was lost. It also helps to apply your moisturizer when your skin is damp. This helps your skin hang on to some of the moisture, which makes rehydration a lot easier.
Try these tips to keep your skin hydrated and supple during the winter season. If none of these tips are helping and your dry skin isn't resolving consider seeing a doctor.