Written By: Gaurika Gupta
Winter can wreak havoc on our skin, and it can feel like there’s no escape: Cold, numbing conditions outside leaves our skin red and raw, while indoor heat zaps moisture from the air and from our skin.
Some things that make winters feel better like sitting by a roaring fire, can dry your skin and although a hot shower can warm you up, hot water strips skin of its natural oils, leaving behind dry and damaged skin.
Luckily, we have found some ways to combat the causes of dry skin and how you can keep yourself moist and supple all season long, including some acute changes to your everyday routine.
1 Invest in a good humidifier to maximize moisture.
A good humidifier at your home or office will bring back that missing moisture in the air,helping to keep your skin hydrated.
To soak in maximum moisture run a humidifier in your entire house or in rooms where you spend maximum time, keep humidity levels between 30-50 percent. One more option is to keep the humidifier on overnight.
2 Pick gentle, Fragrance-Free cleansers
Bar soap can worsen dryness by stripping the skin’s natural oils. Also, look for products labeled “fragrance-free,” “Unscented” products may actually contain chemicals that neutralize scent and can cause irritation.
3 Lower Water Temperatures for Showering and Hand-Washing
Cozy, steamy showers may sound like a great idea when it’s cold and blustery, but very hot water can dry out the skin. A good way to check if the water is too hot for you is to see if your skin turns red after the shower.
4 Keep your house temperature cool and comfortable.
If you’re looking to escape dry, chilly outdoor air, you may crank up the heat as soon as you get home. But high central heat can make the air in your house even drier. Try a cool yet comfortable setting to prevent your skin from drying further.
5 Moisturize Hands Frequently, Especially After Washing
Hand-washing is vital, especially when the common cold, flu, and COVID-19 are a threat. But “constant washing will cause the hands to take a beating,” so it is advised to apply hand cream after every wash. You can also put on cotton gloves after applying moisturizer to help your skin absorb the cream.
6 Apply sunscreen everyday
Winter is still a sun! It still emits UVA and UVB rays, so SPF should be in your daytime routine all year. That means whether you’re out on the slopes, playing in the snow, or walking through a parking lot on an errand run, it’s just as important to apply sunscreen in the harsh winter weather as it is in the summer.
Let us know if you liked our suggestions and plan on following them.