thenextmile

Dry, itchy, flaky skin – it’s a sure sign that colder weather is upon us. As you get older, your skin produces less of its moisturizing natural oils. And dry indoor air this winter can cause your skin to become extremely dry. But you don’t have to suffer through the dry skin blues this season, there are a few ways to avoid and repair dry skin during these colder months.

First off, when bathing, avoid long, hot showers. Hot water strips the skin’s natural oils that help hold in moisture. Also, try to reduce the number of showers and baths during cooler months, one a day is best and will help prevent skin irritations. Milder soaps such as Dove or Cetaphil help calm sensitive skin. Avoid excessive scrubbing with loofahs, mitts or face clothes. When drying off, pat your skin with a towel instead of rubbing. And apply moisturizer while your skin is still a bit damp, this will help trap in moisture and help prevent dryness throughout the day.

When you are outdoors, be sure to cover any exposed skin. You can also use petroleum jelly on your face, lips and ears to help prevent dryness. And don’t forget the sunscreen on any exposed areas, even in winter. A sunscreen with built in moisturizers will help prevent dry skin and help keep you protected from the sun’s harmful rays.

While spending time indoors this season, try to use a humidifier in your home. This will raise the level of humidity and help your skin maintain it’s natural oils. You can also lower your thermostat to a cooler, but comfortable temperature. This will not only help you save on energy, but will also help prevent exposure to excessive dry heat.

If you do find yourself dealing with dryness, there are a number of things to help relieve the symptoms and help rejuvenate your skin.

Keep the itchy area well moisturized. Itching it will just make it worse. If dry skin is a problem in several spots on your body, try an oatmeal bath. Just wrap a cup of oatmeal in a cotton cloth and boil as you would to cook it. Use this as a sponge with warm, but not hot water. There are also a number of oatmeal bath products on the market.

For dry hands, try applying a thin later of petroleum jelly at night and then cover your hands with a thin pair of cotton gloves. Dry feet can also benefit from this treatment.

Your diet can play a huge roll in your skin health. Be sure to drink plenty of fluids each day and avoid caffeine and alcohol which have diuretic properties. Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids such as seafood, nuts and oils can also help prevent dryness.

If you find yourself still suffering and nothing seems to help, call your doctor. He or she can prescribe creams that will help treat small, itchy areas.

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