The weather is getting colder, and the drop in temperature means a drop in moisture – in our skin. In the winter, dry lips, scaly hands, and flaky legs are constant concerns. Dry skin isn’t only unattractive, it can be quite painful. Cracks in our skin can lead to bleeding and even infection. During the winter, you need to fight extra hard against dryness. Fortunately, there are several easy things you can do to increase your skin’s moisture and protect yourself. Follow these tips, and you’ll have healthy, glowing skin all winter long.
Stay Hydrated
Staying adequately hydrated is the best way to battle dry skin in winter. The daily recommended intake of water is 64 ounces. If you’re particularly active, you should drink even more. Keeping your body hydrated will keep your skin from drying out, and instead, you’ll have a natural glow. Most people don’t drink enough water every day. Make it your goal to drink at least 64 ounces of water per day, and you’ll experience even more benefits than just healthy, hydrated skin, such as increased energy, improved mood, and better digestion.
Eat Healthy Fats
Essential fatty acids are healthy fats that are good for your body. In moderation, unsaturated fats have lots of health benefits, such as helping to lower cholesterol and reduce heart disease. They also help keep your skin (and hair) hydrated and looking great. Omega-3 fatty acids are unsaturated fats that can be found in fish, like tuna, salmon, and mackerel. You can also take a fish oil supplement. Flax oil, hemp oil, and safflower oil are also good sources of healthy fats, and they’re better alternatives to vegetable oil, salad dressings, and butter. Getting a daily dose of essential fatty acids can improve your skin.
Use Better Lotion
If you feel like you’re constantly slathering on lotion in the winter and seeing little improvement, you may need to find something better. Moisturizers and lotions that have fewer chemicals, no preservatives, and no alcohol are the best choices. Cold-pressed oils, like almond oil, coconut oil, and grape seed oil, make excellent moisturizers. You can use them right out of the bottle, and a dime-sized dollop will cover a large area of your skin and last all day long. According to the Tanning Lotion Center, if you use an indoor tanning lotion, avoid “cheap bargain brands that will easily rub off or get washed out in the shower.” When it comes to your skin, quality matters most.
Moisturize Properly
The way you moisturize will also make all the difference when it comes to dry skin in winter. You can purchase conditioning masks at the store, and when worn for 15-20 minutes at a time, they’ll give your skin a long-lasting boost of moisture. For your feet and hands, you can do your own conditioning treatment by applying oil and then wearing socks and mittens for 15 minutes. When lotioning your body, the best time to do it is immediately after you take a warm shower. Rub your skin in a circular motion when applying lotion, and lightly tap your skin to stimulate your cells.
With a little extra effort, you can have smooth, soft skin all winter long. Follow these tips all year-round, and you’ll never have to deal with dry, cracked skin again.