How to Prevent or Treat Dry Skin Caused by the Winter Weather

Dry winter skin can not only be unsightly but can also be painful. Many of us are afflicted with dry skin in the winter and many may not know how to effectively prevent or treat winter dry skin.

Preventing dry skin can be simple. By following some easy tips described below you can greatly reduce your chances of having overly dry skin this winter. You can also learn ways to treat dry skin if you have already been affected by the harsh winter weather and its damaging effects on your skin.

The use of moisturizing lotion during the winter months can greatly reduce dry skin. Moisturizing lotions work by preventing moisture loss from the skin and it also works to speed up the renewal process of new skin cells.

If you have oily skin you will want to get a moisturizing cream that is not oily. The best types of moisturizers for oily skin are the clear moisturizing gels. If your skin is normal you can use moisturizing balms, moisturizing creams, moisturizing oils, or moisturizing lotions.

The two types of moisturizers are lipids and humectants. Lipid moisturizers work by blocking the moisture from leaving your skin and act as a barrier or skin protection. Humectants moisturizers are absorbed into the skin and are best for already dried out skin.

Preventing dry skin by using moisturizing lotions is not enough. Some other methods and preventative measures include:

Lukewarm showers during the winter may help to lock in moisture. By skipping the hot showers after coming in from the cold you can help keep moisture locked in your skin. Hot water and steam will release moisture from your skin and set you up for dried out skin.

Drinking the recommended 8 glasses of water per day will also help to keep skin hydrated in the winter and all year long. Remember, soda and coffee does not count towards your recommended daily allowance of fluid intake. You need to be drinking actual water to reap the benefits.

Investing in a humidifier will not only help to keep you from drying out, but will also help to keep your sinuses moist and avoid dried out sinuses.

Exfoliating your skin will also help to reduce dry skin. By sloughing off dead or dry skin cells you will be exposing healthy skin. Once you have exfoliated your skin you can then apply moisturizing cream, especially the humectants type. By applying humectants moisturizing cream to your freshly exfoliated skin you can help to repair and seal in the fresh skin.

You don't always have to buy the expensive moisturizing creams to combat dry winter skin. You can use baby lotion to help cure dry skin. Baby lotion is also a cheap alternative for those who have overly sensitive skin. Baby lotion will help protect your skin as well as lock in moisture.

Untreated dry skin can lead to cracks in the skin that are susceptible to infection. Prevention is the best line of defense against dry skin. If you find yourself with dry skin you should immediately start treating the dry skin with moisturizing creams and some of the methods I have described above. If your skin is overly dry to the point of cracking, you may need to see your family doctor to obtain prescription strength lotions or see a dermatologist.

The elderly are highly susceptible to extremely dry skin. Remind your elderly loved ones to moisturize their skin often or you can even volunteer to apply the lotion for them. Many elderly are unable to see their feet, especially the bottoms, to know if they have overly dry feet or if cracking of the skin has occurred. If your elderly loved one is unable to ascertain if they have dangerously dry skin you should volunteer to check for them or you should remind them to have their medical professional or home health care worker check their skin at their next visit.