Winter is one of the worst times for your skin. The icy cold temperatures, low humidity and whistling wind can wreak havoc with your skin. Fortunately, there are preventative steps you can take to avoid becoming a victim of the colder season skin problems.
Most people complain about the wintery conditions worsening their skin. Very often you will experience dry, flaky, often itchy skin. In addition, the wind and low temperatures make your lips chapped and dry. In order to combat this onslaught here are some do's and don'ts to help you enjoy the colder months.
First, the Don'ts.
1. Minimize your exposure to the wind and cold. Protect yourself from the damaging affect of the wind by avoiding over exposure. The skin has a thin protective layer covering it. The wind and cold strip away this protective coating and in the process dry out the outer layers of the skin.
2. When you bath, don't use extremely hot water. Use warm water that is comfortable to the touch but not excessively hot. Don't take numerous baths or showers every day as this can also dry out the skin.
3. Don't use harsh soaps and cleansers as they also will strip off the protective moisture barrier on the skin.
4. Avoid scratching dry itchy skin as this tends to make the condition even worse.

OK, enough with the don'ts. By now you should be getting the idea to avoid any environmental factor that will dry out the skin. But suppose you already have dry skin, what can you do to make it better?
The Do's.
1. Cover exposed skin to protect it and prevent excessive moisture loss. In the colder climates, there is a wind property called 'wind chill'. Depending on the strength of the wind, the temperature and the humidity, the wind chill will tell you how quickly your exposed skin will get damaged. Stay covered and wear layers if possible to avoid losing the skin's natural protective layers.
2. Moisturize sensitive areas of your skin at least twice a day. You may even wish to start a schedule where you moisturize in the morning after your shower and before bedtime.
3. Use a natural water based toner before applying your favorite moisturizer.
4. Apply a replenishing oil to your skin a few times a week. You can purchase replenishing products or make your own by combining almond oil with about 5 or 6 drops of lavender oil.
5. Apply extra moisturizers to your hand and feet as they tend to dry out faster.
6. If you have problems with cracking skin, try soaking the affected area in a bath of Epsom salts, sea salts and an essential oils. Repeat a couple of times per week.
7. Take care of the inner you. Get plenty of rest and drink lots of liquids, like water and diluted fruit juices.
8. Eat a healthy diet, including plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables.
9. If your home has low relative humidity (less than 40%) consider adding a humidifier, if not for the entire house, for your bedroom.

No longer do we have to be at the mercy of 'old man winter'. By preparation, due diligence and some preventative steps, you can get rid of the winter dry skin blues. No matter where you live, almost 80% of the population tends to experience dry skin conditions in winter. Armed with these helpful tips, perhaps you can join the ranks of the 20% who are not affected by dry winter skin.
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