Preventing Dry Skin In Winter

Dry skin, also known as xeroderma or xerosis occurs most commonly on the scalp, lower legs, arms, knuckles, the sides of the abdomen and the thighs. It is usually identified with scaling (the visible peeling of the outer skin layer), itching and cracks in the skin.

Dry skin can be caused by a deficiency of vitamin A, vitamin D, systemic illness, severe sunburn, or some medication. Surface dry skin may be associated with weather conditions - it is usually worse in the cold and is related to a decrease in the relative humidity and dry air from heating systems. If the dryness worsens, the skin may become inflamed with redness and skin fissures. One of the most difficult symptoms of dry skin is the itch which can increase when the skin is stressed.

Here are ten tips to help you prevent dry skin in winter.

1. Hydrate your skin - To keep skin healthy you need to be hydrated inside and out. Drink 8 glasses of water a day. Stay away from too much coffee, tea and carbonated drinks that act like diuretics.

2. Keep the humidity in your home at an acceptable level ( approximately 60%) - The use of furnaces and heaters dries the air in your home. When the air is dry it leaches moisture from where ever it can. Keep live plants - they will purify the air and contribute to the humidity. Boil water and let it simmer for several minutes daily to keep the air hydrated. If you have radiant heat you can keep a container of water on or near the radiator for continuous humidifying. If you have a humidifier, run it at night when your skin is in cell renewal mode.

3. Maintain a moderate temperature in your home - Keep your indoor temperatures at a moderate level, the higher your indoor temperature, the drier the air will be.

4. Protect your skin outdoors - When going outdoors, keep your skin well covered to protect it from the cold and wind. This will prevent cold induced dehydration. Switching between indoor and outdoor winter environments also places a strain on the moisture level of the skin so it is important to dress appropriately in both places.

5. Protect your hands - Wear rubber gloves on your hands when using detergents or cleaning agents that leach moisture from the skin. Always, always wear gloves or mitts outdoors. Once you develop dry hands it is very difficult to keep them from cracking and bleeding.

6. Bathe wisely - Bathing removes natural oils which protect the skin. Avoid bathing daily if possible. Use lukewarm, not hot, water when bathing, and a very mild body wash. Chose a bath over a shower whenever possible and put some virgin olive oil or virgin coconut oil in the bath water. Moisturize your skin immediately after your bath or shower with a rich moisturizer to lock the water in. Virgin coconut oil is a great natural choice. It may seem greasy when first applied but it will work its way into the skin.

7. Protect the lips - Avoid licking your lips or pressing lips together, leaving saliva behind. Saliva is acidic (to help dissolve food for digestion) and therefore dehydrating to the thin skin on lips. Wear a balm or chap stick that is unflavored to prevent the possibility of licking it off.

8. Moisturize - Moisturize your skin daily. Healthy skin has a high water content of between l0 and 20%, if this is leached out by central heating and falls below 10% the skin becomes dry and dull looking. Nourishing moisturizers for both the face and body are essential.

9. Exfoliate - Exfoliate the skin over your entire body at least once a week using a loofah sponge to remove dead skin cells. This will bring a glow back to your skin and encourage the production of new healthy skin cells.

10. Buff dry feet - Buff the thick dry skin off the bottom of your feet with a buffer or emery cloth and moisturize them regularly. Wear cotton socks in doors, rather than bare feet, to help retain moisture.