Winter can wreak havoc on your skin. The dry air and indoor heat pulls moisture away, leaving us with itchy, irritated, dry and cracked skin. Moisturizer can work, but cheaper versions can make skin worse (most of them have alcohol, a drying ingredient). More expensive versions may do the trick, but you’ll have to slather them on, and the cost can add up over the course of the winter.
There are better ways, more economical ways to save your skin this winter, keeping it soft, lovely and healthy.
Purchase an Inexpensive Humidifier
A humidifier is a worthwhile investment that can be used year after year. Place one in your bedroom to use at night. Winter skin is most vulnerable to losing its moisture over the long hours while you are sleeping. As an added bonus, your humidifier will help you avoid getting ill, as moist nasal passages are less likely to harbor bacteria and viruses.
There are many different humidifier models on the market, so finding one that suits your needs should be easy, and they really don’t cost all that much.
“Poor Man’s” version. Boil water on the stove, in a pot, to release humidity into the air. Just be sure to monitor the pot and children, at all times, for safety.
Opt for Baby Oil
Baby oil (mineral oil) is super cheap, and you can get versions that contain aloe and or Vitamin E for even greater benefits to your skin. Baby oil also tend to be hypoallergenic, meaning that it won’t cause allergic reactions to sensitive skin.
Here is a secret little tip for using baby oil. Rub some into your skin before you shower or bathe. It will help your skin retain moisture, despite the normally drying effects of hot water and soap.
Your skin will be super soft.
Keep Your Showers Short
While a long hot shower can feel good on cold winter days, it can also do damage to your skin. Long, hot showers will rob your skin of moisture and dry you out. Keeping to a shorter shower is not only a free way to save your skin, it will also save you money on your energy costs. Bonus.
If you can get away with it, you might even consider skipping a shower or two during the week.
Up Your Water Intake
Staying well hydrated will go a long way to keeping your skin soft and moist. It all starts with taking in adequate amounts of water throughout the day. Up your normal water intake by an extra bottle or two.
You should also stay away from, or limit your consumption of beverages that cause hydration loss, such as coffee, soda, etc.