Tips to Preventing and Treating Dry Skin This Winter

Every year when fall comes around, I tell myself that this is the winter that I will avoid dry skin. Every winter I face the same problem - dry, red, itchy skin. And every year, it seems to be more painful than the year before. I have compiled some tips that have worked for me in my battle to treat dry skin.

Stay hydrated! Drink at least eight glasses of water every day. This will help to keep your skin hydrated, especially during the winter months. I found that smartwater is great because of the size. Every bottle is equivalent to four eight-ounce glasses. So, if I drink two bottles, I have met my quota for the day.

Warm it up! I will admit there is nothing better on a frigid day than a hot shower. However, all that hot water is drying your skin out. Use warm water instead. If you cannot resist a hot shower, keep it as short as possible. Also, when you are drying off, pat yourself dry.

Moisturize! Apply your moisturizer as soon as you get out of the shower! You want to put it on while your skin is still damp, so it can lock in the moisture. Find a moisturizer that works for you and as always, the fewer ingredients the better.

Exfoliate! I have heard all about the wonders of exfoliating, but never believed it. Until I finally tried one for myself. It was the most amazing experience! It took off all that dry, dead skin and put a stop to the itching! I could not believe how amazing and soft my skin felt! I recommend Philosophy's Senorita Margarita Hot Salt Scrub or Sandals' Red Lane Spa Tropical Breeze Body Polish. If you don't want to spend the money, make your own. You can find plenty of recipes online. Exfoliating is honestly the best thing you can do for your skin.

Crisco can do it! A few nights ago, my hands were red and itchy. They seriously hurt. I could not stand it. So in desperation, I grabbed the can of Crisco, slathered it on my hands, and put an old pair of socks over my hands. I left it on for a few hours while I lay in bed watching television. I couldn't believe the results. My hands were soft and the pain was completely gone. Granted, it was a little disgusting, but the results were well worth it. I still can't believe how quickly the pain went away!

Keep moisturizers everywhere! I keep moisturizers by my bed, in my purse, at work, and in the bathroom so I am never without it. If it is right there, you will remember to use it. I love Johnson and Johnson's 24 Hour Moisturizer.

Dry skin does not need to be an inevitable occurrence every winter. Preventing it is much easier than treating it, but if you are like me, and just can't seem to get it together, these tips will help you deal with it.