Dry skin is a friend to no one and can be downright intolerable in the winter. It’s itchy and with frequent scratching comes bleeding. Thankfully, with a little extra care, you can give your skin the moisture it needs and deserves this winter.
Say Goodbye to Wool
While wool can keep the skin very warm, it is also irritating to the skin. Instead, dress in warm layers made of cotton when you get cold. This will also help to protect the skin from the damaging impacts of cold wind.
Invest in a Quality Lotion
The best thing you can do for your skin is to keep it moisturized. The most straightforward way to do this is by using a thick lotion. It’s harder to apply in the winter when you are already wearing many layers, but it’s the most important time of year to keep on it. Apply it before going outside and before going to bed.
Many dry skin sufferers have found relief through moisturizers like Sween24 which is great for moisturizing the skin and lips. Lactic Acids help to seal in moisture. Try to seek out moisturizers with added lactic acid to help even more. Atrac-Tain® has lactic acid and is very soothing to the skin.
Turn Down the Heat
The higher the heat, the more your skin will dry out. Keeping your home and car slightly cooler will help to keep the skin from drying out as much. Add an additional layer of cotton clothing if you get chilly.
Keep the Humidifier Running
To help combat the dry heat, have the humidifier running in the room you spend the most time in. Any little moisture that is in the air is getting zapped out by the heat. You will want to compensate for this by having a humidifier replace it and then some. You may even notice less of a sore throat.
Shake Up Your Bathing Routine
Try to keep your baths and showers no longer than 10 minutes. We know, it doesn’t sound as enjoyable as a nice, warm bath on a cold day, but it does dry out the skin. The temperature should also be lukewarm, as hot water dries out the skin. Also, you should apply moisturizer immediately to your skin after exiting the shower.
Take Vitamin D
Sadly, with winter we have to say goodbye to frequent sun exposure. A lack of vitamin D has been shown to cause problems with the skin. Adding a supplement like this to your diet can help combat dry skin and eczema. Consult with your doctor before doing so.
Drink Plenty of Water
To stay hydrated from the inside out, drink enough water each day. You should be drinking around 8 eight-ounce glasses of water each day. Dry skin is inevitable in the winter, but don’t think there isn’t a resolution! When you start getting the sore, itchy feeling, reach out to ACG Medical Supply for help.