Nobody likes having dry, cracked, or flaky skin—but during the winter months, it might almost seem unavoidable. Cold weather is typically dry weather, and that can take its toll on the skin. Actually, though, there are things you can do to combat that dryness, and to keep your skin healthy and properly moisturized.
Here are just a few changes to your daily skin care regime that can make all the difference as you face winter’s dryness.
Get a Humidifier
Dry skin stems from your environment; if the air in your home is dry, your skin will be, too. So, combat dry skin by adding some moisture to the air. Keep a humidifier running at night, while you sleep. You can also try a vaporizer, or even a steam bath.
Drink Plenty of Water
Hydration starts from the inside out—and if you want to avoid dry skin, one easy step you can take is to increase your water intake.
Eat Right
Along the same lines, proper nutrition can also help you keep your skin hydrated. Anything with omega-3 fat will produce anti-inflammatory effects, which will in turn sooth your dry and cracked skin and give you a smoother complexion. Fish is a great source of omega-3. In addition, we recommend fresh vegetables—especially those with good color to them, such as yellow or red bell peppers.
Use Moisturizers Daily
Of course it almost goes without saying that investing in a moisturizing skin product—and making it a regular part of your beauty routine—is essential. Make sure you look closely for one that matches your skin type, and always apply it within a couple of minutes of bathing or showering—a critical way to lock in that added moisture.
Grab Some Vaseline
You’ll also want to buy yourself a little tub of Vaseline, which can have amazing moisturizing effects all over the body—soothing cracked lips, dry elbows, flaky feet, and beyond! This is a multi-functional moisturizing tool that may become your winter skincare secret weapon.
Turn Down the Water Temperature
Finally, try to make yourself more comfortable taking showers that aren’t scalding hot. Hot showers deplete some of the oils that lock moisture into your skin, so if you can turn the temperature down just a little, that can go a long way toward staving off dry skin.
