How to Prevent the Cold from Ruining Your Skin in Winter

It's winter again, and unless you're lucky enough to live in California or Florida, you know what that means…cold, cold, and more cold! Not too far behind it are dry skin, chapped lips, and cracked hands. If you want to prevent that from happening you must start protecting your skin now.

Winter is harsh on your skin. It can get very dry and cracked from the cold and wind during the winter months.

The most important thing you can do is to moisturize daily. I would like to emphasize DAILY. Every single day moisturize your skin from head to toe. I suggest using one moisturizer for your face, and one for your body. This way, you can use a moisturizer specially made for facial skin. Facial moisturizers tend to be less greasy and gentler than body moisturizers. If you don't already, integrate this into your morning and night regimen. When you wake up and take your morning shower, make sure to keep your lotion in the bathroom so you can put it on when you're finished drying off. When you're getting ready for bed at night, lotion up when you're finished brushing your teeth. Keep a little note on your bathroom mirror so you won't forget. This way, it will become a habit.

Something else you can do to protect your skin is to exfoliate. They make body exfoliators as well as face. You should exfoliate once or twice per week. This will remove any dead skin, revealing smooth skin underneath. Don't forget to moisturize afterward.

Your body needs water even in the winter! Yes, your body needs to replenish a lot during the summer, but don't neglect it in the winter. Your body needs to be hydrated all the time. When your body is getting enough water every day, your skin will have great moisture content. Adding a lotion to it will give you added insurance that your skin will be properly moisturized. So, remember, keep drinking up those 8 glasses a day!

If your skin is painful or bleeding, you need to see your doctor. They can let you know what you need to do to properly care for your skin and help it heal. They may also have medications that they can prescribe you that will aid in the healing process.

An important point to remember is to proactively care for your skin. Start before it becomes a problem.