As the seasons start to change and winter rolls in, our skin becomes drier and requires a lot more care. One of the culprits to bad skin during winter is the cool winds. Cold and strong wings cause chapped skin all over the body- including your face, lips and hands. In addition to treating already chapped skin, you can work to prevent it from happening with a few simple steps.
How to Soothe Already Chapped Skin
Moisturize. Apply a thick, unscented moisturizer all over the chapped areas, paying special attention to any area that is badly chapped or has cuts on it. Moisturizer that is applied directly to the skin will keep water from evaporating and give your skin a dewy appearance. Use a gentle moisturizer on delicate areas such as your face, and a thicker one on your hands.
Use mild soaps and products. Avoid anything with large or harsh exfoliating beads or ingredients- they will only further irritate the chapped skin. Look for natural products made for sensitive skin.
Use a humidifier. This will help keep the air in your home moist. Leave it on while you sleep- it will do wonders for chapped lips, especially.
How to Prevent Chapped Skin
Use sunscreen daily. Many people forget to use sunscreen in the winter since it’s hard to feel the warmth of the sun that summer gives so easily. But you can still damage your skin and get burnt, chapped skin from a day spent outdoors in the winter. If you often forget to apply sunscreen, choose a daily moisturizer with SPF mixed in already and apply it all over your face each morning.
Wear protective clothing. Always shield your face from the harsh cold and winds with proper outerwear, such as hats, earmuffs and hoods on coats. To prevent chapped hands, wear thick gloves or mittens. And don’t forget about your neck! A scarf will work wonders.