Cold dry air outdoors and hot dry air indoors require us to take special care of our skin from dryness and flaking in the winter. Here are a few suggestions on how to keep your skin looking and feeling good during the winter months.
1. Use moisturizers with higher oil content as you age. Moving from lotions to creams and eventually to ointments such as Vaseline Petroleum Jelly. First discovered in 1870.
2. Body moisturizers is the skincare trend of today. Many skincare lines have expanded their lines to include body moisturizers. A person's natural body oils are removed with frequent exposure to cold air, central heating, or frequent bathing or showering--the skin becomes dry. Excessive dryness can cause eczema--red spots and cracks on arms and legs. If scratching itchy patches of dry skin infections may occur.
3. Cut back on bathing,showering and swimming during the winter months. A short bath or shower, avoiding hot water every other day should be enough; lubricate your skin, after patting skin dry.
4. Use mild soap sparingly, avoid using gels and bubble baths as they tend to contain perfumes and chemical ingredients which can be harsh on your skin.
Do not scrub skin and avoid using a washcloth on irritated areas.
5. Apply moisturizers while skin is still damp to limit water evaporation.
6. Choose a moisturizer with minimum SPF 15 sun protector if you are outdoors for an extended period.
7. Invest in a humidifier- central air heating leaves inside air dry.
8. Use precaution with electric blankets as they can also dry your skin if left on for extended periods. Heat bed before you turn in and turn off blanket before you go to sleep.
9. Dress for the weather; layers in winter-natural fibers next to your skin. In extremely cold and windy weather cover your skin- face and hands.
10. Skincare should be a priority year round. Moisturize hands after each wash to reduce dryness and itchy flaky skin.
Whether male or female it is important to moisturize your skin on a daily basis.
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*Summary of Article "Tips for Winter" by Doug Burn from "Your Health" Winter 1998.
I suffer from Rosacea during winter only. Its very embarrasing. My ears go so red and hot and then my face follows. I cannot cool down due to being exposed to room heating even after i have gone into a cooler area. I hate winter and always will for that reason.
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