Fight Winter Skin Problems

Skin care needs to adjust to the seasons, especially winter, which can be harsh and damaging. The dry, flaky skin and tight red patches that come with winter are enough to drive anyone to relocate to the tropics. But you can handle winter skin problems if you know the best tips and techniques for winter skin care.

In general, winter skin care should be pumped up from your normal routine, and you need to do everything you can to protect and care for your skin during this dry, cold season.

Moisturize, Moisturize, Moisturize
Obviously, the first way to combat dry, itchy winter skin is to moisturize. Dozens of wonderful body moisturizers are available, as well as dozens more that are specialized face moisturizers. It makes good sense to use both. Face moisturizers are specially formulated with extra antioxidants and collagen-boosting ingredients that help fight the visible signs of aging. Choose a face moisturizer that is made for your skin type (dry, combination, oily or sensitive), and choose separate body moisturizers that are a heavier consistency so they provide a healthy barrier between your skin and the weather. Moisturizer works best when you apply it to skin that is slightly damp from your shower or bath.

Use Sunscreen
Sunscreen is just as important in the winter as it is in the summer months. In fact, snow and ice reflect the sun, so you get hit by the rays twice as hard. Use a sunscreen with an SPF factor of at least 15. Apply it about 30 minutes before going outside, and reapply it if you are physically active or if you will be outside for a long time. The extra bonus of sunscreens is they are usually in the form of a nice, thick lotion, so you gain the moisturizing benefits as well as protection from the sun.

Invest in a Humidifier
Winter air tends to be dry, and the minute you turn on the heat in your home, it gets even worse. Itchy skin is often the result, but more moisture in the air can make you feel better. Small humidifiers are quite inexpensive, so get a few and put them in the rooms where you spend the most time. At the very least, put one in your bedroom. Your body, including your skin, rejuvenates while you sleep. Adding some extra moisture to the air as you sleep will not only help hydrate your skin, but it will also help you sleep better.

Take Flaxseed Oil Supplements
Flaxseed oil is loaded with essential fatty acids, which help your cell membranes stay strong and healthy, an important part of healthy skin. Take one to two tablespoons of flaxseed oil a day. It tastes best if you store it in the refrigerator, but, if you just can't handle the idea of swallowing oil, you can get flaxseed oil supplements in capsule form. You can find them nearly anywhere that sells vitamins and supplements.

Shorten Your Showers and Baths
Long, hot baths and showers can strip your skin of the natural oils that protect it from losing moisture. Turn down the water temperature while you're at it. If you enjoy soaking in the tub, add some almond oil or jojoba oil to your bathwater for a skin-soothing treat.

Treat Your Hands With Special Care
The skin on your hands is extremely thin, so it is particularly vulnerable to winter weather. Your hands are constantly in water and exposed to harsh cleaning products, and these two factors cause them to dry out quickly, especially in the winter months. After you wash your hands, apply your skin moisturizer. Have several bottles of skin moisturizer placed throughout your home and office so it is always handy. Carry travel sizes of body moisturizer in your car and purse so you are always prepared.

Exfoliate
One important part of winter skin care is exfoliation. You should use a gentle body scrub one to two times per week in the shower. Exfoliating removes the dry flaky skin that builds up, leaving fresh skin that is soft and silky. Exfoliation also helps your skin to absorb your body moisturizer more completely, further softening your skin.

Protect Chapped Lips
Your lips have no oil glands to help keep them moisturized, so it is critical to protect them. Use a lip balm liberally and frequently. Licking your lips will dry them out even faster, so try to avoid the urge. Buying a flavorless lip balm might help.

Avoid Harsh Chemical Peels and Masks
Peels and some masks can strip your face of much needed oil, so try to avoid overdoing them in winter months. Use a deep-hydrating mask instead of anything clay-based, and avoid any skin products that contain alcohol.

Go Natural
You can use many grocery items in your kitchen for your winter skin care routine. Try adding either baking soda or oatmeal to your bathwater to help relieve dry, itchy skin. Dried beans can also be finely ground and added to your cleanser. Beans are high in protein, potassium and iron, and these are all necessary for healthy skin.