You wouldn’t know it by the weather we’ve been having lately, but the calendar doesn’t lie — winter is coming.
As the temperatures begin to drop, the battle against the lack of moisture and dry environment begins. Just like your wardrobe, your skin care regimen should change with the weather. You can keep cracked hands, scaly, itchy legs, chapped lips at bay with a few simple steps:
1. Drink More Water. We tend to drink less water in winter months (opting for a hot cup of coco to warm up) but don’t forget your body needs hydration from the inside out. Drink at least 64 oz. of water a day (the recommended 8 glasses). Add high-water content fruit and veggies such as apples, oranges, kiwi and watery veggies such as celery, tomatoes, cucumbers, zucchini and carrots into the mix.
2. Moisturize, Moisturize, Moisturize. Moisturizing is an essential part of your daily skin care regimen (or it should it). But it’s even more important during the drier, colder months as moisture is whisked away leaving parched, dry skin. And remember the three-minute rule: Apply moisturizer within three minutes of bathing to trap the much-needed moisture to your skin.
3. Aquaphor is Your New BFF. Dry, cracked feet and elbows? Peeling cuticles? Dry cheek and under-eye patches? Chapped lips? Slap on some of the miraculous gelatinous goo for an instant fix. (Need more relief? Apply generously to feet and hands and wear cotton gloves/sock to bed.)
4. Brusha Brusha Brusha. Your toothbrush is not just for brushing your teeth anymore! Use your Oral-B to remove the excess dry skin (and then apply Aquaphor!).
5. Halt the Hot Showers. How can something that feels so good be so bad for your skin? Hot water can strip the body’s natural (and needed) oils causing drier, itchier skin. It can also bring blood circulation to your skins surface, which is why your skin turns red. This can lead to itchier skin and even a rash. Do your skin a favor and opt for a lukewarm shower.
