Tips to Beat the Dry Winter Skin Blues

I actually enjoy winter. I love how pretty things look as little snow flakes dance down a provide a glistening coat of white to the world. It's dazzling to see tree branches icily glimmer as if wrapped in crystal. Finishing off the evening in front of a warming fire with some hot tea is so relaxing. Not crazy about it getting dark so early, but I do enjoy the cozy feel of being home on a cold winters night.

However, all of the cold, followed by being in warm buildings, then in the cold again can wreak havoc on your skin. I have my hands in different butters and oils and creams almost every day, and I still fall victim to cracked cuticles and dried up knuckles. That's because I don't always do those things you should to protect and keep your skin looking good through the winter.

What are those things you should do? Here's a few tips.

Exfoliate -
But gently. Removing all those dry dead skin cells will help your skin look better. It also improves your circulation and new skin growth. It's important to not be too harsh, so you don't tear your skin. Especially caution should be taken on your face.

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Humidify -
Keeping your home nice and warm makes it cozy and comfortable in winter. It also dry's out the air, which in turn dries out your skin. And cold air outside sucks out more moisture. Having a humidifier in your home, or even your office if its allowed, will help add moisture back in to the air and your skin.

Cover Up -
This is where I often have trouble. It is very important though. It's particularly important for your hands, as that skin is thinner. Put on your gloves (that's the one I'm really bad at), cover as much of your face and skin as you can to protect you from the cold and retain your natural moisture.

Keep It Cooler -
After being out in the cold, a nice hot shower or bath sounds tempting. Don't do it. The higher water temperature with the evaporation off of your skin just drys you out more. That doesn't mean take a cold shower, but keep the temperature warm, not hot.

Most Importantly – Make Sure to Moisturize.
It's always important to provide some soothing nourishment for your skin, but it's even more important during these frigid days. Definitely apply a lotion right after bathing, to help keep water in your skin. Also lotion up after washing your hands. Key is to protect while nourishing, so use an oil based lotion. It will help your skin retain it's naturally water while adding a layer of protection from the elements.

I'm going to do my very best to remember these tips to keep my skin in much smoother condition. You should too. Then we can enjoy the winter... while still looking hopefully towards the coming spring.