Before Thanksgiving we posted tips for keeping your hair healthy and full during the cold and dry months of winter and this week we offer up some helpful advice for treating your skin when the weather turns harsh. The biggest problem winter presents for skin is dryness. The cold winter air and the artificial heat generated inside homes and buildings combine to sap the moisture from your skin and this can lead to itchy and flaky skin on your hands, face and other parts of your body. Knowing how to properly moisturize your skin and how to avoid excessive dryness will go a long way to keeping your skin healthy all winter long.
As with hair, you want to avoid long hot showers in the winter. Though it is tempting to unwind in the tempting steam of a hot shower when the air is frigid, too much time in the bath or shower will dry out your skin and make it harder to keep your hands and face well moisturized. Try using water that is a mild temperature and avoid spending more than 5-10 minutes at a time in a warm bath or shower. When you are finished bathing or showering, pat your skin dry with a soft towel since rubbing hard with a towel will only irritate the skin and possibly cause rashes.
In winter the two areas you will be most concerned with are your face and hands. Every other part of your body is covered pretty well in the winter but your face and hands are most likely to go unguarded and it’s important to care for these areas to avoid dry skin that not only looks bad but can also be irritating and uncomfortable. A few tips for keeping your face moisturized is to use a mild cleanser before going to bed and avoid using harsh soaps that are known for drying out skin. Most dermatologists will recommend moisturizing your face twice a day and look for moisturizers that are oil based that will last longer.
For your hands it is advised that you wear gloves outside, even if the temperature is mild. Winter air will dry skin quickly and if your hands are unprotected you could be looking at skin that will have painful cracks and rashes. When you’re inside and have your gloves off regularly apply moisturizing lotions to your hands to keep the skin soft and smooth. Look for fast drying lotions that will allow you to use your hands at home or at work while still getting the moisture needed to prevent dry skin.