During the winter, I always feel that my skin gets dry and itchy. It happens around January and February and lasts until the weather warms back up. I am constantly trying to find a remedy for the best body lotion and lip balm but my skin is so dry!
Does this sound familiar? Do you also deal with dry and cracked skin during the winter? Are you constantly putting on lotions and looking for the best way to cure your skin? This week’s post is dedicated to you!
If you suffer from dry skin here are a few ideas to help you turn things around.
- Hydration is key to maintaining moisturized skin. If you are dehydrated then your skin will likely be dry. During the winter it’s common that we don’t feel as thirsty because we aren’t outside and sweating. Try to drink plenty of water each day! If you don’t like to drink water, then try a flavored water or low sugar fluid such as Propel.
- Try to avoid hot heat! Most people are always cold during the winter months and love to crank up their heater or furnace. When this happens, the heat actually makes our skin lose moisture and dry out. Avoid turning up your heat too much and instead, add another layer of blankets on your bed.
- When it comes time for putting lotion on, try to apply a moisturizing cream, as opposed to lotion, once you get out of your shower and while your skin is still moist. Putting cream on before your skin is dry will help lock any extra moisture in. Additionally, moisturizing cream is thicker than lotion and with dry skin, you need the extra protection.
- Avoid the fancy lip balms. There are many types of lip balms on the market with perfume and added colors that end up making your lips day and even more chapped. Try using something simple like Aquaphor and apply several times a day. In no time your chapped lips should be healed.
- Avoid hot showers and tub soaks. Although there’s nothing better than a hot shower on a cold day, the hot temperature can dry your skin out. It’s OK to take a warm shower but if you can, avoid a hot rinse. Lastly, if you take a warm bath, add something like an Aveeno bath packet. These include natural oatmeal and nutrients specially designed for dry skin.
This winter should be a time of beautiful looking skin despite the cold! We hope these tips can help ensure your skin won’t be itchy and uncomfortable. If you have any type of dry skin concern or any other health questions, please call us. We would be happy to see you talk with you!
At Carlos and Parnell, M.D., P.A. our professional and caring staff makes the difference with patient care. – See more at: http://www.dev.carlosparnellmd.com/thermometers-and-babies/#sthash.MFvVROkI.dpuf
