Keeping your skin moisturized and healthy during the winter can be extremely challenging. Exposure to chilly outdoor temperatures may result in raw, itchy and irritated skin while indoor heat reduces essential moisture. Fortunately, there are several strategies you can employ to help nourish your skin and protect it from the elements.
Hand Care Strategies
Hand washing is an essential aspect of good hygiene, particularly during cold and flu season. However, frequent exposure to warm water and soap can wreck additional havoc on irritated skin. To combat this problem, you can implement a few simple procedures to help protect and moisturize your hands:
- Wear waterproof gloves while washing dishes
- Wash your hands with lukewarm water
- Apply a hand cream or oil-based ointment after drying
Utilizing an oil-based ointment may be particularly helpful because it adds a protective layer to the skin’s surface that may shield it from additional irritation and help lock in moisture.
Heading to the Mountains for some Snow Play?
While we live in a warm Southern California climate here in Orange County, many of us also love to visit our nearby mountains in the winter for skiing and winter fun. Where frequent water exposure is a problem we all deal with, it is not the only potential hand irritant. Cold outdoor air can also traumatize sensitive skin. To protect your hands while outside during your visits this year to Big Bear and Mammoth by wearing proper gloves or mittens.
Alter Your Skin Care Regiment
Modifying your daily skin care regiment during the winter months may also provide relief. Bathing in excessively warm water can further exacerbate dry, itchy skin. To help soothe your skin, try to reduce the shower’s water temperature and apply a thick moisturizer after drying to help keep your skin hydrated.
You can also be more selective about your product choices. Bar soaps may, for example, contain potentially irritating ingredients. As an alternative, use fragrance-free, moisturizing body washes. In addition, use a cream-based facial cleanser instead of alcohol-based toners and astringents. Alcohol-based products may irritate dry skin while creams can help your skin retain its natural oils.
Home Atmosphere Adjustments
Implementing simple adjustments inside your home may also help alleviate winter skin woes. Your home’s heater introduces drier air into your living space. To help retain moisture and keep skin hydrated, you can utilize a humidifier and set your thermostat to a reasonable temperature, ideally between 68⁰ and 72⁰ Fahrenheit.
Additional Relief
If skin irritation persists, you can apply an over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream. You can also seek professional advice from your professionals at Newport Medical and Wellness Center to help you select the ideal products for your unique skin. We carry a full line of medical grade skin care products by Obagi. Obagi has been the number one physician grade skin care line in America for decades.
Although maintaining healthy skin during the winter can be difficult, making simple adjustments in your home and grooming routine may help ease the discomfort of dry, irritated skin. Gloves, a humidifier and moisturizing beauty products may be the ideal weapons in your battle against winter skin problems.
