Winter skin care tips to prevent dry skin

Jan 15, 2009 3:04 AM by Sarah Wassner Flynn

Posted in Beauty & Style / Makeup & Skin Care / Skincare

How To Nourish
Your Skin

Battling dry skin? You're not alone: According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's National Center for Health Statistics, nine million Americans report fighting flakes. And the harsh, dry winter air is no friend to your skin, sapping it of much needed moisture. But there are some simple steps you can take to nourish and protect your skin all year long. Here are four easy tips to prevent dry skin.

Skin care tip #1

Hydrate and humidify

The key to quenching your skin? Drink up. Gulping down eight glasses of water a day will nourish your skin cells, helping to keep it soft and smooth (hydrating is also a great way to stave off snack attacks!). And, when you go to bed, turn on a humidifier and shut the door to lock in the humid air, which will nourish your skin and bathe it with moisture.

Skin care tip #2

Shower smart

The chilly winter weather may make you wish for steamy showers, but try to limit your time—and the temperature—while washing up. Long, hot showers or baths can suck the moisture out of your skin, so step out after 10 minutes and stick to lukewarm temps. And, as you towel off, pat your skin dry instead of rubbing, which can irritate sensitive skin.

Skin care tip #3

Moisturize

This may seem like a given, but the more you moisturize, the better shape your skin will be in. Start by lathering lotion onto damp skin after you step out of the shower. Then reapply as needed, especially to those extra-susceptible spots like your hands, elbows, knees, and feet.

Skin care tip #4

Do a creamy cleanse

To fight the flakes on your face, wash with a cream-based cleanser specially formulated for dry skin. Then apply facial moisturizer before makeup. Be sure to also avoid any products containing mineral oil and synthetic emulsifiers, which can irritate and dry out your face. Repeat the process before you go to bed, applying a night cream before you hit the pillow.