For me, the holidays are always a very special time of year. Holiday parties, food, family, and friends make the most wonderful time of the year even more wonderful, but you know what doesn’t? Dry skin. I don’t know about you, but during the winter months, the climate changes, and my skin changes right along with it. Sometimes, the dryness becomes so bad that it begins get really flaky. Luckily, I have a few tips to beat the blues for the upcoming winter months.
1. Consider an Oil-Based Moisturizer
Sure, that great moisturizer that you have been using has served you well, but now it’s the winter. Perhaps it’s time to switch to a different, more powerful moisturizer for at least temporarily. For the winter, I have found that oil-based moisturizers work best because oil will creative a protective layer that maintains more more moisture than creams or lotions usually do. Also, when you have found a good oil-based moisturizer, consider applying it at least twice every day.
2. Don’t Forget SPF
This one may surprise you. I know it surprised me. I always thought of sunscreen being something I only needed in the summer, but it turns out that the winter sun combined with snow can still be very damaging to your skin. Professionals recommend applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen 30 minutes before stepping outside and reapplying as frequently as needed if you plan to stay out for extended periods of time.
3. Don’t Wear Wet Gloves Or Socks
By doing this, you could potentially irritate your skin seriously and cause eczema, sores, itching, and cracking. If there is no way to avoid getting wet, then pack an extra pair of socks and or gloves in your car. Your skin will thank you later!
4. No Hot Or Long Showers or Baths
I know, I know. This one is really hard, because who doesn’t love to come home to a long, hot shower especially a day of suffering in the cold? However, the intensity of the heat actually breaks down the lipids in the skin, which can result in a great loss of moisture. Instead, doctors recommend using lukewarm water as well as staying in the water for shorter periods of time. It has been said that a lukewarm bath with baking soda or oatmeal can relieve very dry skin, so that could be a great help.
5. Exfoliate Those Feet
Believe it or not, your feet need exfoliation in the winter! You could go to a spa to get this done, but a cheaper alternative (and probably a much more effective one, too) would be to soak your feet in lukewarm water and baking soda. Baking soda serves as a natural exfoliant that removes dead skin cells, which in turn will leave your feet feeling softer and more beautiful than ever. I know that I can certainly tell the difference!