How to Prevent Dry Skin this Winter

As the weather gradually turns cooler and the “Cool” setting gets shifted to “Heat” on your thermostat, those won’t be the only changes you start to notice.

Little by little, your indoor air will begin to dry out and, with that, comes an inevitable set of consequences…dry, itchy skin in particular, not to mention bloody noses, static electrical shock, and other dry-air syndromes. And yet, with a few simple changes to your skin care routine, you can keep the dryness at bay and your skin looking radiant while avoiding associated problems.

Dry Skin this Winter

Avoid harsh cleansers. Many skin care products are filled with fragrances, alcohol, and other chemicals that can leave skin feeling dry. Choose fragrance-free moisturizing cleansers, preferably those with natural ingredients that will restore your skin’s natural oil balance.

Warm vs. hot water. However glorious it might feel, hot water showers strip away your skin’s natural moisture. So, come fall and winter, add a little more cold water into the mix. Once you’re out of the shower, pat your skin dry with a soft towel, and avoid rubbing. While your skin is still damp, apply a natural moisturizing product.

Don’t put away the sunscreen. Maybe you can’t feel it, but the sun is still taking its toll on your skin during fall and winter seasons. So, before you go out, apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least 30 SPF to all exposed areas of your skin. Just be sure the product you select contains no drying ingredients.

Be careful what you wear. Avoid wearing any fabric that tends to irritate your skin. Wool has a special knack for doing just that. Instead, opt for warm, breathable layers of clothing made from cotton or other natural materials.

Another great way to keep your skin moist and healthy looking during the off-season is to add just the right amount of indoor humidity. That’s where we come in. At Optimum Air, we install whole-house humidifiers for families like yours for all the good they can provide, including dry skin prevention. To learn more or to request a free in-home proposal, contact us today.