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much time in the shower can actually contribute to
your skin drying out faster.
Replace harsh cleansers with milder soaps. Body
gels and bars that are anti-bacterial, have a strong
fragrance, or are artificially colored can aggravate
skin problems. A better choice is to use a gentler
unscented product that contains all-natural
moisturizers.
Use soap on the body parts that really need it.
Many skin care experts recommend only lathering
up for your face, underarms, groin, and feet everywhere else usually just needs a warm-water
wash. When it comes to skin health, there is such a
thing as over-cleaning.
Ease up on the scrubbing. Exfoliating dead skin
cells clears the way for healthy new cells, but you
don’t have to rub your skin raw with rough cloths
or scratchy loofahs. A gentle wash using a soft
cloth usually does the trick. The same goes for
drying off. Simply pat your skin with a soft towel
- and don’t forget to moisturize while your skin is
still damp for the best results.
To alleviate itchy skin, try adding oatmeal or baking
soda to lukewarm bath water.
Hook up the humidifier.
As was previously mentioned, cold winter air tends
to be very arid. Minimize the drying effects on your
skin by pumping moisture back into indoor air with a
humidifier. Many units come with a built-in meter to
measure humidity levels. Aim for a level between 40%
and 50%. (When I plugged my humidifier in around
Thanksgiving time, my house was at 21%!) Place a unit
in or near the bedroom, since skin dries out the most
during sleep, as well as in rooms with heat sources like
a fireplace or stove.
Seek professional advice.
Sometimes winter skin requires more aggressive
treatment. If you have severe symptoms or your skin
doesn’t clear up within a couple of weeks of at-home
remedies, experts suggest contacting your healthcare
provider. Most of the time, dry, itchy, or flaky skin is
the result of an external factor like being outside in
the cold or wearing a scratchy wool sweater. But