As the fall season wears on and colder temperatures move into the area, you can expect to battle dry skin. While there’s no way to control the weather, there are steps you can take to prevent dry skin this fall and winter.
Moisturize after washing: Any time you wash your body, hands, or face, you strip your skin of natural oils. And when that happens, there’s a much greater chance of developing dry skin. Moisturizing immediately after washing can help fight against this.
Use a humidifier: If you have a whole house humidifier, turn it on. And if you don’t, purchase a portable unit that you can set up in your bedroom while you sleep. This one addition to your home can make a major impact on the health and appearance of your skin during cold weather months.
Avoid hot showers or baths: Yes, a hot shower or bath feels good on a cold winter day, but it has the potential to quickly dry out your skin. Turn down the temperature and opt for a lukewarm shower or bath. It may not be as soothing, but it won’t take a toll on your skin.
These are just a handful of the many steps you can take to prevent dry skin this fall and winter. If you combine these three tips, you’re likely to find that your skin looks and feels better over the next six or seven months.
Jennifer Ferdinand, owner of Serendipity Wellness Studio in Burke, VA, has been practicing massage therapy and esthetics since 2006. She is nationally certified through NCBTMB, and licensed in Virginia for both Massage Therapy and Esthetics.