1: Moisturize often. Find an "ointment" moisturizer that's oil-based, rather than water-based. Look for "non-clogging" oils, like avocado oil, mineral oil, primrose oil, or almond oil. You can also look for lotions containing "humectants," a class of substances (including glycerine, sorbitol, and alpha-hydroxy acids) that attract moisture to your skin.
2: Use sunscreen. Winter sun, in combination with snow glare, can damage your skin. Try applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen to your face and your hands (if they're exposed) about 30 minutes before going outside.
3: Take good care of your hands. The skin on your hands is thinner than on most parts of the body and has fewer oil glands, which makes it more difficult to keep your hands moist, especially in cold, dry weather. This can lead to itchiness and cracking. Be sure to wear gloves when you go outside to keep your hands warm and protected.
4: Avoid wet gloves and socks. Wet socks and gloves can irritate your skin and cause itching, cracking, sores, or even a flare-up of eczema.
5: Use a humidifier. Central heating systems (as well as space heaters) blast hot dry air throughout our homes and offices. Humidifiers get more moisture in the air, which helps prevent your skin from drying out.
6: Stay hydrated for your health, not your skin. Water is good for your overall health and "the skin of someone who is severely dehydrated will benefit from fluids. But the average person's skin does not reflect the amount of water being drunk," Kenneth Bielinski, MD, a dermatologist in Oak Lawn, Ill., tells WebMD "It's a very common misconception."
7: Use heavy moisturizers on your feet. Try finding lotions that contain petroleum jelly or glycerine. Also, use exfoliants to get the dead skin off periodically; this will help moisturizers to sink in faster and deeper into your skin.
8: Think twice before using face masks and peels. If your facial skin is uncomfortably dry, avoid using harsh peels, clay-based masks, and alcohol-based toners or astringents; all of these can strip vital oil from your skin. Instead, find a cleansing milk or mild foaming cleanser, a toner with no alcohol, and masks that are "deeply hydrating," rather than clay-based.
9: Limit superhot baths. Intense heat of a hot shower or bath actually breaks down the lipid barriers in the skin, which can lead to a loss of moisture. It is noted that a lukewarm bath with oatmeal or baking soda, can help relieve skin that is so dry it has become itchy.
WebMD
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