Winter wind and cold can make skin particularly dry this time of year. Here are some tips for protecting you and your loved ones’ skin this winter:
• Choose to moisturize using a body cream over a lotion. Creams are thicker and will be more moisturizing on the skin. The brand doesn’t really matter as much as the texture and smell do; if you like it, you’ll be more inclined to use it regularly! If you haven’t yet found a favorite, I recommend body creams from Cerave, Cetaphil, Aveeno, and Neutrogena. Vaseline will also do the trick for super dry, cracked skin!
• Consider keeping a humidifier on in your room at night. Humidifiers add moisture to the air to prevent dryness, and help to keep your skin, nose, throat, and lips protected during winter months. Just be sure to clean your humidifier often, as a dirty humidifier can expel unwanted mold and mildew into the air.
• Try to avoid taking long, hot showers. Although unappealing, cooler showers, even just a few times per week, can help to keep skin hydrated and healthy.
• It’s best to moisturize right after a shower or bath while your skin is still slightly wet. The moisturizer can absorb more easily into your skin this way.
• Keep a lip ointment in your pocket, handbag, or car for easy re-application. I really like Aquaphor Ointment – it’s great at both preventing and treating dry lips, and can easily be found at common retailers like Walmart.
Keeping your skin moisturized is important as cracks in the skin can allow bacteria to enter and start a skin infection. Additionally, hydrated skin just looks and feels better!