Healthy Winter Skin: Preventing Dryness

The combination of cold temperature, dry indoor heat and hot showers dehydrates our skin. In the winter, humidity is lower and the cold, dry air takes moisture out of the skin. Indoor heating and overheated houses also take the moisture out. Even a hot shower takes moisturizing oils out of our skin, by evaporating. However, there are certain things we can do to put moisture back into our dry skin and keep it healthy. Read also: Protecting your skin from the summer sun.

Creams and Oils

The best way to lock moisture in is to use a thick moisturizer or a thick, fragrance-free cream that will seal the moisture in and heal our dry skin, but still allows our skin to breathe. Experts suggest using cream instead of moisturizer since the latter is more watery. Experts also recommend using olive oil, avocado oil and coconut oil topically for extremely dry skin, especially on feet, knees and elbows.

Avoid Perfume

Avoid spraying perfume directly on your skin as its alcohol content can cause mild irritation and further dry your skin by preventing moisture from staying in.

Change Your Shower Regimen

Reducing your shower time and the temperature of the water may seem counter intuitive in winter but in fact is good for your skin. Long, hot, steamy showers may feel great but they strip your skin of natural moisturizing oils, leaving it dry and unhealthy. Some doctors even recommend showering just once a day in winter. Showering is more advisable than soaking in a tub because that zaps a lot of moisture from the skin.

Using milder soaps instead of anti-bacterial or exfoliating scrubs also helps winter skin stay hydrated and soft. Avoid exfoliating on a regular basis, as skin is more sensitive in winter.

Stay Hydrated

To compensate for the moisture loss, drink plenty of water and fluids throughout the day. Drinking plenty of fluids and staying hydrated will help replenish the water you will lose through wind, cold temperature, indoor heat and hot showers.

Supplements

Experts recommend adding fish oil to your list of essential dietary supplements. Fish oil is a great source of heart-healthy Omega-3, which contains eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) that is thought to help regulate the skin’s oil production.  Boosting oil production in winter helps your skin stay soft, supple and moisturized. A regular intake of Original Glutathione Formula™ also helps maintain healthy skin and reduces the aging process.

Dry, winter skin is inevitable if you do not take adequate care of it. Most of us tend to take our skin for granted and ignore this vital organ. However, this is a mistake. Skin needs to be taken care of and nourished. Eating right and using the right supplements, creams and oils can help us maintain healthy, soft skin this winter.