Winter is known as the most wonderful time of year. But for many of us, dry, itchy skin can overpower the joy of the season. While wintertime skin irritation usually isn’t serious, it can be annoying and frustrating to deal with. Here are five tips to soothe your skin this season.
1. Maintain the humidity
Water everywhere is a good rule of thumb in treating dry skin. If you live in a cold or dry climate, you may want to place a couple of humidifiers or vaporizers around the house to keep moisture in the air. On top of the harsh reality of the great outdoors, indoor heat typically dries out skin. This can result in roughness, itching, irritation and even burning. It’s a good idea to use a humidifier in your bedroom at night to replenish moisture in the skin.
2. Alter your bathing routine
There are several things you can do when bathing to help your skin retain moisture and not get irritated.
Limit showers and baths to five or 10 minutes. Long, hot showers or soaks can be incredibly drying to the skin. If you want to go longer, use lukewarm water instead.
Use non-fragrant, gentle cleansers in moderation. Stronger soaps with deodorant or perfume can strip the skin of oil, causing it to become irritated and itchy. Afterward, apply moisturizer while your body is still wet, and lightly pat your skin dry instead of rubbing it with a towel.
Wash clothing, towels and sheets in fragrance-free detergent.
3. Switch up your routine with the seasons- pick the right products
Summertime skin has different needs than wintertime skin. As the weather turns cold, you probably aren’t thinking about a dry skin regimen because you haven’t needed it for months. While you may have used lotions in the spring and summer, now you need to switch to heavier creams or ointment-based moisturizers. Otherwise, you’ll have problems because of the change in humidity.
Prevention is key for combatting dry skin, and prevention often starts in the shopping aisle. Here’s what to look for in your search for moisturizers and conditioners that work best for your skin type and condition.
Select ointments and creams instead of lotions
Look for ingredients such as lanolin, jojoba oil, colloidal oatmeal or shea butter
Choose unscented bath soap, hand soap and laundry detergent
Check out samples first, feel free to experiment and pick what you like best
Variety is OK: you’ll likely end up with different products for your lips, face, neck, hands, feet and body
4. Avoid the itch
It always feels good to scratch an itch. Rubbing or clawing at dry, winter skin can kick off a vicious cycle of itching and irritation though. Calm the area with a cool cloth or moisturizing cream for more lasting relief.
It’s also helpful to avoid prickly clothing materials like wool and abrasive shower scrubbers like loofahs, brushes or rough washcloths. Instead, wear a layer of cotton or silk under your favorite winter sweater, and lather soap gently with the smooth tips of your fingers.
5. Get help when you need it
If maintaining calm skin becomes out of reach this winter, don’t shy away from asking for help. Get professional help especially if your skin is so itchy or painful it’s keeping you awake, or is prone to bleeding or infection. certified dermatologists can work with you to keep your skin healthy and moisturized—even with conditions like eczema. They can offer advice and prescription creams if needed.