Banish Winter Skin Problems With These Easy Steps

Winter brings cold temperatures and drying indoor heat. This can result in dry, flaky skin. What can you do about these winter skin problems?

Your solution will depend on the severity of your problems.

8 Ways to Combat the Winter Dryness

• If your reaction to the winter and accompanying dry, indoor heat is tight and dry skin, you'll benefit from using more and better moisturizer. Use a good quality hand and body lotion after a shower when you're still a bit damp. It'll help lock the moisture in.

• Use warm, not hot water. It might sound lovely to linger in the hot bubble bath at the end of a cold day out. However, hot water will only dry out your skin more so keep baths and showers on the shorter and cooler side.

• Use a heavier moisturizer for your face. An oil-based night cream can provide your skin more moisture day and night. If you're suffering in the winter, it can really help. One ingredient I really like is avocado oil. This oil works with all skin types and is very hydrating.

Vitamin E is also great for dry, flaky patches. You can use a face cream with it or you can dab the pure oil directly onto problem areas.

• No matter what type of heat you use, it's going to dry out your skin. One way you can combat this is to use a humidifier. They're easy to use and replenish moisture in your air.

• Exfoliate - exfoliate from head to toe regularly. It sloughs off the dead skin and helps you absorb more moisturizing goodness.

• Use a hydrating mask every other week. It can provide your skin with more moisture and heal it from the harsh elements. Make sure it's oil based to give you the most hydration. Avocado oil works well with many skin types and it stimulates collagen production so to help fight sagging skin.

• Don't use alcohol based cleansers and toners. They strip your skin of necessary oils and dry it out further.

• Slather lotion on your hands and feet. The skin on your hands is thinner than on other parts of your body so they need more frequent moisturizing. Your feet can get dry too so slather on some good cream and sleep in socks to have softer, more pampered feeling feet overnight.

When Should You See a Specialist?

If you're suffering from severe flaking or eczema (an inflammation of the skin), you may need to see a specialist. They can test your skin type and make recommendations based on their training. The journal Dermatology says these outbreaks can be frequent in the winter.

As you can see, there are several steps to take to combat your winter skin problems. Now that you know what you can do, why not get started today?

Jen P. April has been researching natural skin and health care for over 3 years. Visit her site now to learn more about cutting edge natural skincare products she recommends after extensive research: http://www.clear-and-healthy-skin.com.
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