Two big factors affect your skin during the winter: colder temperatures and a lack of moisture in the air. Both can damage unprotected skin. Follow these  simple steps to help ensure healthy skin, even during the most bitter winter weather.

Wash in Lukewarm Water – While it’s tempting to warm up in a long hot shower or bath when the weather is frigid, hot water can dry out the skin even more. Use lukewarm rather than hot water and limit your time in the shower or bath to 5-10 minutes. Gently blot or pat your skin dry and avoid rubbing.

Moisturize – Slather on the moisturizer immediately after drying your skin. Moisturizer works by sealing in the existing moisture on your skin. Apply liberal amounts of moisturizer within a few minutes of  showering or washing your face and hands.

Add Moisture to the Air – Hot, dry, indoor air can parch sensitive skin and worsen itching and flaking. A portable home humidifier or one attached to your furnace adds moisture to the air inside your home. Be sure to keep your humidifier clean.

Protect – Cover up as much as possible with scarves & gloves but avoid wool and other harsh fibres that can irritate dry skin. We need sunscreen in winter just as much as in summer. Ultra violet light can penetrate even the greyest, gloomiest clouds and is intensified when it reflects off the snow.

Don’t Forget Your Lips – Lips are always exposed and can become very dehydrated in winter. Licking chapped lips will make will dry them even more. Stay ahead of the dryness by regularly applying lip balm, especially before going outside to protect against wind burn.

Use Gentler Products – To help you skin retain its natural oils, avoid deodorant soaps or skin care products that contain alcohol or synthetic fragrances. Use fragrance-free laundry detergent.

With so many choices in skin care products, finding the right ones can be overwhelming. Talk to your Super Thrifty pharmacist about your specific dry skin symptoms. We can recommend the right product for you.