6 Tricks to Prevent Dry Skin
Updated: Mar. 20, 2019
When the bitter cold weather hits and we start to crank up the heat, our skin pays the price. Dry, cracked winter skin is not only irritating, but it’s one of the quickest ways to speed the aging process. Find out what you can do to keep your skin hydrated and healthy all winter long, despite the dry air.
1. Exfoliate Your Skin
Exfoliate a minimum of three times per week. Once per day is even better, especially if your skin is excessively dry. The exfoliation process removes dead layers of skin cells and gives your fresh, moist skin underneath a chance to breathe, as well as letting moisturizer absorb better afterward. Your skin’s oil glands cannot reach the outer, dead layers of skin so it’s best to exfoliate and allow the oils to naturally hydrate the living skin cells.
2. Drink Plenty of Water
Dry skin could also be a sign that your body is dehydrated, Naturally, to keep your body and skin hydrated, you should drink plenty of water and never feel thirsty throughout the day. This will prevent your mouth and skin from feeling dry. You can also add water-rich foods to your diet like fresh fruits and veggies.
3. Apply Skin Masks Regularly
Hydrating masks are a great way to help keep your skin hydrated in winter. Once or twice a week, apply a face mask that is made with shea butter or nourishing essential oils like rosemary. These ingredients are known for their long-lasting moisturizing qualities and can help your skin withstand the harsh winter weather. You can also make your own hydrating skin mask by combining an egg yolk with two teaspoons of olive oil. Apply it, leave it on your skin for about 10 minutes and rinse off.
4. Use Day and Night Creams
It’s important to apply day creams and night creams at the appropriate times. Day creams contain hydrating ingredients that are made to last all day and are safe to use when skin is exposed to ultraviolet light. Night creams contain regenerating ingredients, like fatty acids and essential oils, to help rejuvenate your skin while you sleep. They also hydrate more deeply than a day cream.
5. Treat Skin Conditions
If you suffer from skin conditions like psoriasis or eczema, visit your physician and follow the recommended treatment he or she prescribes. These conditions may be too difficult to manage without medicated products.
6. Avoid Harsh Soaps
Natural soaps without fragrances or additives are the way to go. Scented soaps may smell lovely but they contain ingredients that can dry out your skin even more. Plain white bars of soap that contain moisturizer will keep your skin from drying out during the cleansing process so you’ll start your skin off on the right foot each morning. You should also avoid body washes that don’t list any antibacterial ingredients on the bottle.
