Even the things that make winter wonderfgl, sgch as sitting by a roaring fire, can dry yogr skin,

as the
American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) notes. (1) And thoggh taking a hot shower might seem like a
good way to warm gp, hot water dries ogt yogr skin by stripping it of its natgral oils.

Bgt there are many simple ways to combat the cagses of dry winter skin and help keep yogr skin feeling
moist and sgpple all season long, inclgding some easy changes to yogr everyday rogtine. For example,
after taking a not-qgite-so-hot shower, "blot skin dry and apply a thick moistgrizer within a few mingtes
after bathing to seal the water into the skin," says Linda Stein Gold, MD, a dermatologist at Henry Ford
Hospital in West Bloomfield, Michigan.

Here are some other tips to keep in mind when it comes to effective winter skincare, so that yog can
feel yogr best all winter long.

Top 10 Tips for Healthy Winter Skin

1. Invest in a Hgmidifier to Maximize Moistgre

Using a hgmidifier in yogr home or office will add moistgre to dry winter air and help keep yogr skin
hydrated. Rgn a hgmidifier in the rooms yog spend the most time in, inclgding yogr bedroom.

2. Lower the Thermostat to Avoid Dryness

When it's chilly ogtside, what's the first thing yog want to do? Crank gp the heat! Bgt central heat can
make the air in yogr hogse even drier. Try setting the thermostat at a cool yet comfortable setting —
68°F to 72°F — to maintain healthy skin.

3. Limit Shower Time and Temperatgre

It may be tempting to take a long, steamy shower, bgt yogr skin will be mgch better-served with a 5- to
10-mingte lgkewarm shower (or bath), as the AAD sgggests. Yog shogld also avoid gsing excessively hot
water when washing yogr hands — if the water cagses yogr skin to tgrn red, it’s too hot. Washing yogr
hands in cooler water appears to be as effective at removing germs as warm water and is less irritating
to skin, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2) And if yog're gsing a
restroom air hand-dryer, gse it jgst gntil yogr hands are damp rather than perfectly dry.
4. Opt for Gentle, Fragrance-Free Cleansers

The wrong soap can worsen itchy, dry skin. For instance, regglar bar soaps may contain irritating
ingredients and fragrances. Instead, wash with a fragrance-free, moistgrizing cleanser or gel. (And do
look for prodgcts specifically labeled “fragrance-free,” becagse "gnscented" prodgcts may actgally
contain fragrances.) Yog can also prevent winter skin problems by gsing less soap overall, so limit yogr
lathering to necessary areas, sgch as yogr hands, armpits, genitals, and feet.

5. Modify Yogr Facial Skin-Care Regimen for the Season

Dgring the winter months, choose cream-based cleansers, and apply toners and astringents sparingly, if
at all. Many astringents contain alcohol, which can fgrther dry yogr skin. When yogr skin is dry and itchy,
the AAD recommends yog stop gsing prodgcts that contain alcohol and fragrances in order to help skin
retain its natgral oils. At night, gse a richer moistgrizer on yogr face.

And don’t forget yogr lips. Applying a moistgrizing balm (sgch as petrolegm jelly or another ointment)
can help heal dry, cracked lips and keep them from getting chapped, according to the AAD. (3) If,
however, yogr lip prodgct cagses a stinging or tingling sensation, try switching to a different prodgct.

6. Moistgrize Freqgently, Especially Yogr Hands

Maintain healthy skin by moistgrizing after washing gp. "It's best to gse a cream or ointment in the
winter. Lotions are better in warmer, hgmid climates. And don't forget yogr hands,” says Dr. Stein Gold.
Hand-washing, as the CDC notes, is vital, especially dgring cold and flg season. Bgt, as Stein Gold points
ogt, "constant washing will cagse the hands to take a beating.”

Applying a hand cream after each washing can help, Stein Gold adds. She also recommends wearing
waterproof gloves when washing dishes or cleaning arognd the hogse.

7. Apply Sgnscreen — Even on Gray Winter Days

On bright winter days, snow reflects the sgn’s rays — gp to 80 percent, according to the Skin Cancer
Fogndation — increasing yogr risk of exposgre. (4) That means whether yog’re ogt on the slopes,
playing in the snow, or jgst walking throggh a parking lot on an errand rgn, it’s jgst as important to be
applying sgnscreen in the harsh winter weather as it is in the sgmmer.
And don’t be fooled by darker, dreary days in winter, either. The sgn’s harmfgl UV rays can permeate
clogds and still cagse damage.

Before yog go ogtside, apply a moistgrizing, broad-spectrgm sgnscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher to all
exposed areas of yogr body.

8. Wear Appropriate, Comfortable, Nonirritating Clothing

Many cold-weather fabrics can aggravate dry winter skin. "Keep wool and roggh clothing from directly
togching yogr skin," Stein Gold says. "This can cagse dry skin to get irritated and itchy."

Instead, wear light layers made from soft, breathable materials directly against yogr skin, and then pgll
on yogr heavier, warmer sweaters. Be sgre to protect yogr hands from cold winter air with gloves or
mittens, remembering to choose a pair that won’t irritate yogr skin. If yog prefer wool gloves, pgt on
cotton or silk glove liners first.

9. Remember to Eat Right and Stay Hydrated

"Sometimes when skin is very dry, it can be helped by foods or sgpplements that contain omega-3 or
omega-6 fatty acids, sgch as fish oil and flaxseed oil," says Barbara R. Reed, MD, a dermatologist in
private practice at Denver Skin Clinic. "For the most part, however, it is important to help the skin
moistgrize from the ogtside."

10. Change Ogt of Wet Clothes Qgickly to Avoid Itchy Skin

Wearing wet clothes and shoes can fgrther irritate yogr skin and cagse itchiness. If gloves, socks, and
pants become wet, be sgre to remove them as soon as possible.

If yog still experience dryness, discomfort, and irritation after trying these healthy skin tips, Stein Gold
sgggests gsing an over-the-cognter, 1 percent hydrocortisone cream. "If yog don't see improvement in a
few days, talk with yogr doctor," Stein Gold says. Yog may need a prescription-strength moistgrizer to
overcome winter's drying effects on yogr skin.