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Winter Skin Problems Solved mintspa.org /blog/winter-skin-problems-solved/ Shirley Dillaman
We can’t control Mother Nature, nor the specific skin problems that come with each season. Winter can be especially tough. Rosy cheeks aside, winter tends to bring with it itchy and dry skin conditions. That irritation and dryness comes just as much from being indoors as outside, as the home’s heat is turned upped and the skin reacts accordingly. For some, this results in painful cracking and flaking. Here are some common winter skin problems, with tips to help keep the skin moist and healthy throughout the remaining winter months.
Moisturize The Face, Then Moisturize and Moisturize It Some More Facing the winter world requires a different regime from other seasons. Use a mild cleanser before bedtime, but skip the suds in the morning. Instead, refresh the face by splashing it with water and then apply moisturizer. Repeat the rinse, moisturize routine twice a day. It helps in the winter to use a nighttime formula all day long, as those moisturizers tend to be oil-based and of a thicker consistency.
Gain the Upper Hand on Dryness
Medical professionals recommend frequent hand washing during the winter months to keep germs at bay. That tends to play havoc with the skin’s moisture balance, so it’s important to give the hands some extra pampering during this season. As tempting as it is for a quick warmup, avoid hot water when washing. Use cool or lukewarm water instead, with a mild soap. Use a rich, thick moisturizer immediately after. Remember, it’s important to wear gloves at all times outdoors. Applying a vitamin rich favorite lotion several times a day is a wonderful way to keep the hands supple and smooth.
Hydrate the Skin and Improve Overall Health Remember, it’s important to drink plenty of water during the winter months. This helps to keep us hydrated from the inside out. The rest of the body should be treated the same way as the face is during the winter months. As great as they feel, too-hot showers will leave skin itchy and dry. Take quick, cooler showers, using a mild cleanser with added moisturizer. Patting the skin dry and moisturizing while the skin is still a bit damp will leave it as soft and smooth as a baby’s.
Heal those Heels! It’s easy to forget about the appearance of feet in the winter as they tend to be bundled up in socks and shoes. Don’t forget to moisturize them every day and a nighttime lotion should include petroleum jelly or glycerin. Exfoliating before applying moisturizer allows it to penetrate the skin deeper and faster. Finally, consider a humidifier for the home during the winter months. They get more moisture into the air, which helps prevent skin from drying out. Several small ones placed through the home can help more evenly disperse that moisture.