Winter woes are hard to beat, but doesn’t a nice, long hot bath sound nice? It might be a cold weather cure, but it definitely has its down side — its itchy and scratchy side. Skin care is not one-size-fits-all. In fact, even when you figure out what type of skin care works for you, it can still change when the humidity drops. Without a change in your skin care, dry air can make fine lines and wrinkles more noticeable. Dry skin can itch, flake, crack and even bleed. To help prevent dry skin, the American Academy of Dermatology recommends that you limit your baths and showers to 5 to 10 minutes. It can help add moisture to the skin. Ironically, longer baths or showers can leave your skin less hydrated than before you started. Don’t bathe more than once a day and use a gentle, fragrance-free cleanser. When it’s time to towel down, avoid dry skin by practicing a light pat, not a rub down, with a soft towel. Before your skin is completely dry, slather on that moisturizer! Choose creams, ointments or oils instead of lotions, which contain alcohol. Moisturize throughout the day to keep your skin from drying out.Let’s talk moisturizer. Ointments and creams are more effective and less irritating than lotions. Look for a cream or ointment that contains an oil, such as olive oil or jojoba oil. Shea butter also works well. Other ingredients that help to soothe dry skin include lactic acid, urea, hyaluronic acid, dimethicone, glycerin, lanolin, mineral oil and petrolatum.What else can you do to winterproof your skin?
If your dry skin seems out of the norm, keep in mind that it could also be a sign of a skin condition that needs treatment. Talk to your doctor if you have any questions or concerns.How do you winterize your skin?Sources: American Academy of Dermatology; Harvard Health
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