Winter Skin Care

Alligator skin is great for purses, shoes, and belts. But when my skin starts looking that rough, I need some help. Most people's skin does need different care in the wintertime. Dry heated air indoors, and dry cold air outdoors can make it challenging to maintain that dewy complexion. Biting wind and cold temperatures take a toll on wintertime skin as well.

There are several ways we can help our chapped lips and dry, flaky, itchy skin this winter. And these tips can help prevent those cracked, bleeding, flaky skin problems, too.

First, drink water. Staying hydrated has lots of health benefits. But drinking plenty of water will also hydrate your skin. A good rule of thumb is to try to drink eight 8oz. glasses of water per day. Spritzing water on your face throughout the day is another time-tested trick that airline attendants use to keep their skin fresh on long flights.

Second, take cold showers. No, I'm just kidding. But a short, warm shower is much healthier for your skin than those twenty minute, steaming hot showers. Too much hot water strips essential natural oils from your skin. Dermatologists recommend spending no more than 10 minutes in the shower and to keep the temperature around 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Hey, your utility bill will be lower, too.

Third, humidify your home. Did you know that central heating systems can dry the air in your home to as low as 10% humidity? A comfortable and healthy moisture level is around 40-50%. Using a humidifier in the room where you spend the most time, especially at night, can be good for your health as well as your skin.

Fourth, change to an oil-based moisturizer. If you are using the same body or facial moisturizer that you do in the summer, switch to one that is oil-based. This penetrates the skin more effectively when it is dry, and prevents the cold, dry air from chapping the skin as well.

Fifth, go easy on the exfoliating. When your skin is dry and feels tight and itchy, it can be tempting to exfoliate more often. But too much exfoliating with too harsh of a product can damage the skin and leave it prone to more dryness. Gently rub a mild exfoliant no more than once a week in the winter.

Sixth, use your sunscreen. I know, in some parts of the United States, you hardly see the sun in the winter time for that heavy layer of gray clouds. But using a sunscreen of SPF 15 during the winter will also protect your skin from harsh winter wind and cold.

Seventh, moisturize often. Gently apply a heavy, cream-based moisturizer after your shower to help lock moisture in the outer layers of your skin. Carry a travel-size bottle of a good moisturizer with you, and apply throughout the day as needed. Hands will need frequent moisturizing, especially if you are washing them often during the day.

Eight, don't forget your lips. Dry lips can crack open and bleed, and this may take a long time to heal. Don't moisturize your lips by licking them. Since lips have no oil glands, use a petroleum or bees wax based lip balm, and apply frequently.

Ninth, grab your gloves. Exposing your hands to the cold dry air can leave them dry, cracked and tight feeling. Make sure you are wearing gloves that don't irritate your skin, and be careful that the gloves are not too tight. Wearing gloves that fit too tightly can hinder circulation to the fingers, leaving them colder and dryer than ever.

Tenth, take off your wet clothes. If your clothes, shoes, or socks get wet, don't continue to wear them. Wearing wet clothing can irritate your skin and lead to such ailments as the fungus known as athlete's foot, or the dry itchy scaliness of excema. Carry a change of clothing if you have to be out in the snow or a winter rain. And dress in layers. Dressing in layers tends to keep the inner levels dryer.

So, there you have it. If you can't move to a warm beach for balmy humidity, at least you can keep your skin happy anyway.