7 Ways To Protect Your Skin This Winter
The skin is the largest organ in our body. It plays an essential role in being the barrier to protect us from bacteria and other dangers. Nerve endings in the skin help us detect pain, and sweat glands help us regulate our core body temperature. As winter approaches, there are many ways to help protect your skin from the bitter cold so that it can continue to protect you.
1. Chapped Lips
The dry air causes lips to become cracked and chapped, which can be painful. Chapped or cracked lips can be a source of irritation and discomfort, especially during the winter months. Regular use of a medicated lip balm can help prevent or heal your lips by keeping them hydrated. A lip balm with SPF 30 can also help to protect your lip from the sun’s rays, which can still cause damage in the winter.
2. Hydration
Drinking 64 ounces of water per day has many health benefits, including aid in weight loss, constipation relief and improved performance. Appropriate hydration may also benefit your skin health by increasing its elasticity. The hydration effects can potentially help reduce the chances of your skin becoming irritated or cracked.
3. Warm Attire
Always wear the appropriate winter outdoor apparel when outside, even if you only plan to be outdoors briefly. This includes a hat, gloves, scarf and winter jacket. The gloves will protect your hands. Ideally, you want to minimize skin exposure for any period of time to protect the skin from the harsh cold weather. If you will be outside for a sustained period of time, consider wearing a face mask or trying to cover as much of your face with your hat and scarf as you are able to.
4. Moisturize
A daily moisturizing lotion can help prevent and alleviate dry skin. It is a healthy habit to apply cream or moisturizer after your get out of the shower or bath and after shaving. Select a lotion with vitamins that is hypoallergenic and dermatologist-approved. Lotion and lip balm with SPF characteristics are a great choice because they moisturize your skin while protecting you from the sun’s harmful rays.
You may wash your hands more frequently during the winter months to protect yourself from the flu and other illnesses. This can dry your hands out even more. It would be best to use a hydrating hand cream after each time you wash your hands to help combat the dryness.
5. Limit Hot Water
Hot water can dry out your skin, so if you are struggling with dry skin this winter, you can also shorten your shower time and use cooler water. Hot water removes helpful oils and takes moisture out of your skin. These effects can be extra damaging during the winter.
6. Use a Humidifier
The use of a humidifier in your home can help to add moisture back into the air. Since dry air is one of the most significant contributors to damaged skin in the winter, the extra moisture in the air can potentially help to lessen dry, cracked skin.
7. Sleep
Getting enough quality sleep each night helps keep your skin healthy, along with a ton of other health benefits, including improved focus. Aim to get seven to eight hours of sleep per night. Avoid distractions and screen time before bed. Reading a book, taking a warm bath and listening to soothing music can help prepare your body and mind for a good night’s sleep. Sleeping with a sound machine and ceiling fan can improve the quality of your sleep. Create the best sleeping environment for yourself by removing distractions, making it dark and keeping the room cool.
Dry, cracked skin can be painful and irritating. This can be exacerbated by the harsh effects the dry, cold winter air has on our skin. There are many healthy habits you can establish to take care of your skin this winter, including moisturizing, wearing lip balm and dressing appropriately when you are outside in the cold weather. Skin health is an important factor in overall health. Your skin does a great job protecting you, so do what you can to take care of and protect your skin!
