Why is our skin so dry in the winter?
The main reason is a heated home, which removes moisture from the air. This dry environment causes water to evaporate from our skin causing it to feel tight, chapped and itchy.
Easy tips to help your dry skin:
- Use a moisturizer every day. The best time to apply moisturizer is right after showering or bathing to damp skin so that it traps in the water. Oil-free moisturizers are usually best for the face because you do not want clogged pores that can lead to breakouts. Use heavier moisturizers on your arms and legs, as they tend to be drier.
- Choose mild, moisturizing soaps instead of deodorant soaps. Harsh soaps strip your skin’s natural oils.
- Those long, hot showers feel especially good in this winter weather but the longer you soak; the more oils escape from your skin. Taking shorter cooler showers will prevent dry skin.
- An ultrasonic humidifier is a great way to add water vapor back into your skin. Ultrasonic humidifiers use high-frequency sound instead of heat to vaporize water. The cool mist helps rehydrate your skin.
- Wearing sunscreen is still important even on cloudy days. Ultraviolet light can penetrate clouds and cause wrinkles, skin damage and skin cancer.
- Drink more water. We do not feel as thirsty in this weather but drinking water is always important.