With temperatures dropping by the day, you need to take extra care of your skin to prevent dryness, itchiness, and cracking. Here are some helpful tips from WebMD.
Visit an aesthetician or dermatologist at least once. He or she can analyze your skin type and suggest changes to your current skin care regimen, including inexpensive products you can try at home.
Clean your face with a cleansing milk, mild foaming cleanser, alcohol-free toner, or deeply hydrating mask. Using an oil-based moisturizer will help you retain more moisture than you would with a water-based variety. Be sure to choose an oil that won’t clog your pores, such as avocado, mineral, primrose, or almond oil. You can also opt for a lotion containing humectants, substances that attract moisture to the skin.
Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen on your face and hands (if they are going to be exposed) 30 minutes before you go outside. Reapply if you are outside for a long period of time.
Wear gloves to protect the thin skin on your hands from the elements. Avoid wool, or put thin cotton gloves on under wool ones to prevent irritation. Remove wet gloves and socks, which can cause itching, cracking, sores, or a flare-up of eczema.
Use a lotion on your feet that contains petroleum jelly or glycerine. Exfoliate often to remove dead skin and help moisturizers penetrate the skin better.
Place several small humidifiers throughout your home to replace the moisture lost from heating. Avoid long, hot showers or baths, since they can break down the lipid barriers in the skin and cause it to lose moisture. Instead, take shorter showers or baths with warm water. For itchy skin, try a lukewarm bath with oatmeal or baking soda.
If these tips don’t work, seek the advice of a dermatologist. You may need a prescription lotion or other treatment to help you make it through the winter.