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As soon as the air turns chilly, your skin often pays the price. Cold winds, dry indoor heat, hot showers and even sunlight bouncing off snow can all leave skin tight, flaky and itchy. For some, it even gets painful, with cracks around the knuckles or lips that never seem to heal.
Thankfully, dry, uncomfortable skin isn’t something you just have to accept until spring arrives. With a few smart habits, you can protect your skin and keep it healthy all season long. The key is to start early—before winter fully sets in—and stay consistent with these small things that make a big difference:
- Switch to a richer moisturizer. Lotions may be fine in summer, but cooler weather calls for creams or ointments. Look for ingredients like ceramides, shea butter or petrolatum that lock in moisture and strengthen your skin’s barrier.
- Moisturize while your skin is still damp. The best time to apply moisturizer is right after a shower or handwashing. This helps trap water in your skin before it evaporates.
- Keep showers short and warm. Hot water may feel amazing on a cold day, but it strips away natural oils. Stick to around 10 minutes with warm, not steaming hot, water and gently pat dry instead of rubbing with a towel.
- Run a humidifier indoors. Central heating makes the air inside your home dry, which pulls moisture from your skin. A humidifier adds that moisture back, especially if you keep one in your bedroom while you sleep.
- Choose gentle cleansers. Harsh soaps or heavily scented washes can irritate your skin and make dryness worse. Go with mild, fragrance-free cleansers that clean without stripping oils.
- Bundle up when you head outside. Scarves, gloves and hats don’t just keep you warm. They also protect your skin from windburn and cold air. And don’t forget lip balm and sunscreen. Even in winter, UV rays can cause damage, especially when they bounce off snow.
- Pick skin-friendly fabrics. Wool is warm but often itchy. Wearing a soft cotton or silk layer underneath can protect your skin from irritation. Using fragrance-free laundry detergent also helps if your skin is sensitive.
- Hydrate from the inside. Your skin needs more than creams to stay healthy. Drinking enough water and eating foods rich in healthy fats, like salmon, walnuts or flaxseeds, helps strengthen your skin’s barrier from within.
- Know when to get help. If your skin becomes painfully dry, cracked or itchy and nothing helps, it’s time to check in with a dermatologist. They can recommend stronger creams or treatments to bring relief.
Winter can be tough on your skin, but it doesn’t have to leave you feeling dry, itchy or uncomfortable. By making a few small changes now and continuing good habits throughout the coming months, you can help skin stay softer, smoother and healthier until spring returns.
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