Dry skin – how to solve it
Dry winter air can certainly do a number on your skin. However, there are a few simple ways you can turn scaly, itchy and even cracked winter skin back to its smoother self.
Winter weather brings with it cooler temperatures and a major drop in humidity. Like any living thing, your skin relies on water to stay healthy. Without as much moisture in the air, it’s more likely to become dry and itchy.
Here are a few ways you can help protect your skin from the harsh winter conditions.
Cut the hot baths
There’s nothing quite as relaxing as a hot bubble bath in the winter. Unfortunately, piping hot bath water can seriously dry out your skin. Instead, opt for warm baths and save those extra hot soaks for special occasions. Just like most wintertime treats, hot baths are best in moderation.
Use gentle, fragrance-free soaps
A soap is a soap is a soap—right? Wrong. Soaps, and their ingredients, actually vary a lot depending on their brand, scent and ‘purpose’. For example, exfoliating soaps that contain microbeads can actually be quite aggressive on the skin, and are something you may want to avoid if you suffer from dry skin in the winter.
Instead, look for fragrance-free soaps that don’t have a scrolling list of unrecognisable ingredients. Soaps that are advertised for “sensitive” skin are often a great choice, and Dove, Aveeno and Neutrogena all offer specialty products for dry skin.
Moisturise, moisturise, moisturise
Even if this tip seems obvious, odds are you still aren’t moisturising as much as you could be. Moisturise after every shower and bath, and any time you feel your body needs it. Using products that contain extra amounts of fatty ingredients, such as cocoa butter or lanolin, will help replace the natural oils that the winter weather has inhibited your skin from producing.
Invest in a humidifier
As the temperature drops outside, the thermostat dial rises inside. If you like to keep your home nice and toasty, consider investing in a humidifier to counteract the dry air pumping out of the radiators.
Hydrate from the inside out
In the summertime, it’s easy to remember to eat fruit and drink lots of water. However, as the air gets colder and the days get shorter, you’re more likely to forget your five a day and feel less of a need to quench your thirst. But it’s important to remind yourself to stay hydrated. Drinking water and eating naturally juicy fruits has been proven to help rejuvenate skin cells and rid the skin of toxins.
Bundle up
When you do emerge outside into the blustery winterscape, do your best to cover your skin with long sleeves, full-length trousers, scarves and gloves. Direct contact with the cold air will dry out your skin faster. If you like to exercise outdoors, opt for workout leggings under shorts and look for long-sleeved performance tops like those made by Under Armour and Nike.
What’s your winter skin remedy?
Rachel - Silversurfers Assistant Editor
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