Many people have a harder time with their skin during the winter months than any other time of the year! Here are some tips to help keep your largest organ happy during cold weather.
Number one: keep up with your moisturizer… especially in the places where you tend to have problems. For me, I find my winter problem spots are the forehead, the knees and elbows, and the feet. And I’m good about applying lotion to my face after I shower… I’m not always so good about the other spots. And they show it!
Number two: keep wearing your sunscreen. The days are shorter, the temperatures are cooler… but the sun’s rays can still be harmful. UVA rays are at the same strength during the winter as they are during the summer! (UVB rays are weaker, though.)
Number three: shaving can help exfoliate dry skin. When you run your razor over your legs, you aren’t just removing hair. Dead, dry skin cells are coming off, too! Be sure to use a moisturizer after you shave to help keep your skin happily hydrated.
Number four: keep the air a touch cooler. Cranking up the thermostat in the winter months means a house full of dry air. Keeping your house a few degrees cooler can be easier on your skin. Or, if you can’t take the chill, try running a humidifier. The best place to keep it? In your bedroom.
Number five: skip the long bath. (This one is heartbreaking for me, I love soaking in the tub!) When the bath water is warmer than your body temperature, your pores open up and moisture evaporates from your body. So keep your soaks short, or stick with the shower.
Number six: don’t JUST moisturize. Rough spots like feet, elbows, and knees (hmm, sound familiar?) may need a good buffing before you slather on the lotion. Clear away the already dead skin and what’s underneath will be fresh and soft.
And one last one, as a bonus: try to stop licking your lips. Saliva can be drying for your lips! Use a lip balm if your lips feel dry, and keep your tongue to yourself.