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Fix Winter Skin Woes

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Chapped Lips:  Cope with dry winter lips by staying hydrated.  Drink plenty of water and use a humidifier at home.  Apply beeswax or petroleum jelly to your lips and make sure you put lip balm or lipstick with sunscreen on every time you are outside.

Cracked Heels:  Painful, cracked heels are common during the winter months.  They're often caused by dry skin.  In some cases, dry cracked feet can lead to infection or make walking painful.  Keep feet healthy by marinating cracked heels in petroleum jelly, covering them with plastic wrap and covering them with a pair of socks.  They should improve within 3 nights.

Dry Hands:  Cold air can really hurt your hands this time of year.  That, plus frequent washed to eliminate flu germs can increase dryness.  Give your dry hands some extra TLC by using a glycerin-based moisturizer when you wake up, before you go to bed, and any time your hands feel dry throughout the day.


Dry Patches on your face:  The same products that keep your face looking fresh all spring and summer may cause skin problems during the winter.  For a winter, choose a gentle, super-fatted, fragrance free soap (bar or liquid) for cleansing.  If you can skip the toner, do so, if not use one that is non-astringent.  Dry skin will heal faster with a moisturizer that contains urea, dimethicone, glycerin, lanolin, or mineral oil can be good bets.


Choose a Winter Moisturizer:  If you're experiencing chronic dry skin you may want to find a new winter moisturizer all together.   If you usually use a light lotion, try a heavier cream, at least on dry skin patches. Ointments -- like petroleum jelly -- have more oil than creams or lotions. That makes them greasier, too, so they may be best for feet and body. Minimize the greasy feeling by using a very small amount and gently but thoroughly rubbing it into skin. Apply after a warm shower.


Clear Away Dead Skin First: To get the most out of your moisturizer, exfoliate. Clearing away dead skin cells lets a moisturizer better penetrate dry skin. Exfoliate gently with a moisturizer that contains lactic acid or salicylic acid. Some exfoliants can be irritating -- especially in winter -- so try them on a small patch of skin first. If your skin is really dry or irritated, ask your doctor before starting a new skin care product or regimen.

Winter Showers: A shower can add water to your skin -- as long as you keep it short and sweet. Long, hot showers can actually draw water from your skin. Appealing as a hot shower on a cold morning may be, lukewarm water is a better choice. It won’t strip away skin’s natural oils.


Plug in a Humidifier: It’s cold outside! So you’re staying inside, with the heat on. That warm, dry air can mean parched, dry skin. Use a humidifier to restore moisture to the air. You can find inexpensive models at most drug stores. Put one in your bedroom; better yet, invest in two or three and place them strategically around your home to stave off irritated, itchy skin this winter.


Winter Sunscreen is Required: Think you can’t get a sunburn in winter? Wrong. Skiers and other winter athletes are at special risk of sunburn, because snow reflects sunlight. In fact, it bounces 80% of the sun's rays back to us, compared to less than 20% for sand and surf. Even if you’re not hitting the slopes, you still need the protection of a sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or more. Apply daily, and reapply at least every two hours if you’re outside.


Show Eczema the Exit: Eczema is an umbrella term for different kinds of skin inflammation. It is marked by dry, reddened skin that itches or burns. When skin becomes dry and irritated in winter, eczema can flare.  Stay one step ahead by moisturizing frequently with an oil-based ointment that contains sunscreen. Sweating and overheating can also trigger the itch/scratch cycle, so dress in easy-to-peel-off layers. Ask your dermatologist about prescription treatments.
 

Source: webmd.com