Forecasters are predicting above-average temperatures this winter. But that doesn’t mean we won’t have chilly days and nights that can wreak havoc on your skin. Cold air inside and dry forced-heat air inside is the perfect combination for producing dry skin.
If you’re one who is prone to dry skin or eczema, your skin care routine may need some adjusting during the winter months. Creams, lotions and ointments flood the store aisle, but simple at-home steps also help calm dry, flaky skin.
- Take warm short showers. Long, hot showers further dry out the skin. Limit your showers to five to 10 minutes in length.
- Use a fragrance-free cleanser or soap. Only apply enough to remove dirt rather than a thick lather.
- Blot your skin after the shower instead of rubbing it dry. Blot with a towel to dry and apply a moisturizer immediately after getting out of the shower when your skin is damp. Doing so locks in moisturizer.
- Choose ointments and creams rather than lotions. They contain more oils and work better on dry skin.
- Don’t forget the lip balm. Your lips are exposed and need protection, too.
- Wear gloves. This includes when you go outside, use any cleaning substances or perform tasks where your hands will get wet.
- Run a humidifier. Humidifiers keep the air moist, combating the dry air that forced-heat furnaces produce.
If your dry skin condition doesn’t improve after making these changes, contact your physician or a dermatologist. Prescription creams and ointments can help break the dry skin cycle.
