Dry Skin: Facial Skin Care For The Winter Months

There is nothing worse than having dry skin or a dry face during the winter. The cold wind, the central heating, and the lack of humidity can exacerbate any dry skin problems you may have. Even if you don't have dry skin, being exposed to these conditions can rob moisture from your skin.



Taking special care of your skin during the colder months of the year is very important if you want to avoid dry patches, itchiness, and swelling. And if you're not careful, your skin can even break and lead to infection. Here are some tips on how to take care of your skin during winter.



Modify your Habits during Winter



This article focuses on facial skin care, but don't forget that the rest of your body also has skin and that it also has special skin care needs.



When you go out, make sure to cover as much of your skin as possible. Wear scarves and hooded jackets to keep your head and neck protected. Don't forget that your lips are also a part of your skin. Protect them by applying a moisturizing lip balm to help keep them from chapping.



Don't stand near open flames. Fireplaces are cozy and romantic, but don't forget that they can also promote dryness if you sit too close.



Keep the central heating in your home on low. However, if you wish to crank it up to high, invest in a good humidifier to counteract the dryness produced by central heating.



You may be tempted to reduce your intake of pure water, but this can promote skin dryness. Heavy foods and caloric drinks will dehydrate you fast. Make sure that you are drinking enough water to help counteract these rich foods.



Skin Care Products for Facial Dry Skin



Changing your cleanser is probably one of the first things you'll want to do. You might have used a gentle, soapy cleanser during the summer, but you'll need to change to a cream cleanser during winter.



A cream cleanser will help protect your skin by keeping it from coming in direct contact with water. This is especially useful because once the water evaporates it takes with it the moisture from your skin. Don't forget to exfoliate. This process maintains its importance during winter because it helps eliminate dead skin cells and reveal healthier, stronger skin.



A toner may or may not be necessary at all. It will depend on how dry your skin really is.



Because of the dry air, you may need to switch to a thicker moisturizer or apply it more frequently. When dealing with dry skin, you may find yourself having to reapply your moisturizer every couple of hours. If you find yourself with really dry skin that cracks easily, you should consult with a doctor as soon as possible to avoid other problems such as infections.