Its That time of year again so here are Some Tips on how to avoid dry skin.....
One of the biggest problems that we as humans face in the fall and winter months is dry skin. Because of the lack of moisture in the dry winter season and the use of our home heaters, it is easy for our skin to show the consequences. However, luckily for us, there are a few things that can make passing the fall and winter seasons, much easier in relative comfort. For your skin at least. There are two main ways to look at dry skin caused by the change in climate. Prevention and treatment.
Sometimes, depending on the climate one lives in, it's hard to really spot the changing of the weather. Often, the weather is hot one day, cold the next, and maybe somewhere in between the day after. How do you keep your skin healthy when the climate is so unpredictable.
When most think of a shower, they think of hot water and a lot of soap. While hot water is often relaxing, it is depleting your skin of it's natural moisture and protection. By robbing the skin of the natural oils. It is best instead to take luke warm baths or showers, of the time frame of five to ten minutes. Water can moisturize your skin, but only in moderation. When you do finish with your shower, after drying off, it's best to place a moisturizer on the skin immediately. This will replenish the protective oils, and help prevent itching, cracking, and flaking.
A good moisturizer is often key. When you get out of the shower or even after just washing your hands applying a good moisturizer is crucial. This will again replenish the oils in the skin. There are several kinds of moisturizers; Lotion, Oil, and Cream. Lotions seem to be the most popular. Their cheap and often effective with little of that heavy oily feeling after use. While lotion is good on most of your body, it's best to use something like a moisturizing cream on places like your knees, elbows, hands, and feet. Those are the areas on the body most effected by winter dryness.
Drink plenty of water to allow your body enough fluid to replenish the moisture you're losing through your skin. Water more so than soda or other caffeinated beverages will not only help your skin but your health. A humidifier is also a great way to keep the moisture in the air while in your home. Often the cold dry air outside, and the hot dry air inside only speed up the process and give you dry skin all the more quickly. But enabling your home to be a moisture haven with a good humidifier will allow your skin a break from the harsh rigor of the winter months.
Up in the Northern areas where snow is part of winter life it is important too to remember a few things that will help your skin along. Firstly sunscreen, yes, it's not just for summer as we were raised to believe. Instead, use it too in the winter to help minimize the effects on your skin caused by the sun and snow glare. Also, as you play in the snow, it's important when you come inside you immediately remove wet socks and gloves. Leaving on wet garments can irritate the skin and cause it to itch and grow dry.
These techniques are really simple and easy, and yet the comfort they can bring to someone is worthy of such time and consideration. Our skin is often taken for granted, but this Winter treat it right, and give it the moisture it deserves during the cold dry months.
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