Winter can wreak havoc on your skin.  The extreme changes from the outside cold to inside re-circulated heated air depletes skin of moisture.  That can lead to cracking and sometimes painful “cuts” that bleed and hurt.

Stage off these effects by stopping them before they start.  Here are just a few tips to remember as the temperature drops:

–        Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate – just as important as in the warm summer months but it is easy to forget to drink our 8 glasses a day when the weather is cooler. 

–        Humidifier – heat on and closed windows and doors makes for dry air.  Use one at night in your bedroom to help balance the moisture in your skin while you sleep.

–        Moisturize – heavier, oil-based moisturizers hold in more moisture but if you are worried about how they will look, use them at night and where a lighter moisturizer during the day. 

–        No hot showers – hot water can pull off your skin’s natural protective moisture layer and cause an increase in itching and dryness.  To minimize this, dial down your shower to warm and pat your skin gently when getting out.  Also, moisturize as soon as you have toweled off.  This will help lock in your skin’s natural moisture for an extra boost.

–        Broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher – sunscreen in the winter is even more important in the snow states than in the summer.  Snow reflects 80% of the dangerous UV rays (compared with sand at 17%).

–        Don’t forget gloves – protect your hands EVERY TIME you go outside with a healing lotion (like Gold Bond® Ultimate Healing Skin Therapy Cream) and then glove up!

–        Germ-Free or Dry Hands? – You shouldn’t have to choose! Most hand sanitizers are made with a base of ethyl alcohol which can be very drying to already dry skin.  Try a moisturizing one with aloe added and always follow with a good moisturizer (like Gold Bond® Ultimate Healing Skin Therapy Cream).  If cuticles are cracked and open, use a antibiotic ointment and cover with a band-aid to help it heal faster and prevent infection.

–        Layer up – dress in loose-fitting, wicking, cotton fabrics to prevent sweating and overheating which triggers itchy skin.

–        Shed wet clothes and shoes immediately – this can irritate skin; leach your skin of moisture as they dry and cause itching and dryness.

For best results start these habits as the temperature begins to dip in the fall.  Since we are already into winter, many of you may already be suffering from the effects of the cold winter air.  Don’t worry … it’s not too late to start and you will see results within a week!

Have a happy and safe winter!

—Sonya Droguett
Product Manager, Emerging Products