Pop quiz: Do your hands ever feel sensitive or sore? Do you see fine cracks? Have you noticed peeling or flaking on your face, hands or other body parts? Do you notice small red areas, rosacea or inflamed patches of eczema?
Bad news, friend. You may be suffering from dry skin. Before you panic, though, stay tuned for the good news: dry skin doesn’t need to be permanent. Helpful infographics like this one from Pureskintone.com give you all the information you need to protect your skin during harsh winter months and keep it clear, even and radiant.
The first step to defeating dry skin is understanding which skin type you have. Many people have naturally dry skin, but those with oily or combination (both dry and oily) often think they’re safe. Unfortunately, even oily skin can experience symptoms of dryness in winter, when lower temperatures reduce ambient humidity and pull moisture from our skin, as does scrubbing with harsh, oil-depleting products.
If you have symptoms of dry skin, such as flaking, peeling, cracking, itching, chapping or soreness, start by avoiding harsh soaps and long exposure to hot water or high heat. Institute a moisturizing routine after every wash, not just after you shower. Exfoliate once a week to remove bits of dead skin and debris.
Wear gloves to protect hands, and continue your sunblock regimen, because even during dark days, UV rays can still dry and age you. If your symptoms don’t clear up, see a dermatologist to help you figure out your skin type and respond accordingly. You deserve lovely skin, so start acting like it!
Chelsea Mason is a writer and creator of the website Pure Skin Tone, who aspires to open her own beauty salon. She lives in Pennsylvania with her husband and 2 golden retrievers. She has a degree in fashion from Penn State (Go Lions!).
ChanelPrinston
March 17, 2015 at 7:54 pm (10 years ago)This is awesome! I can’t wait to try it at home. Thanks for sharing!
Lara
December 5, 2014 at 2:24 pm (10 years ago)I have very dry skin, thankfully I live in the south, but whenever I visit up north it gets awful. Thanks for the tips.
Jess
December 5, 2014 at 11:57 am (10 years ago)i have to take everyone of these steps, my skin is always super dry in the winter!
Robyn
December 5, 2014 at 5:17 am (10 years ago)Great tips! Love the one about exfoliating at least once a week. I always up my exfoliation routine to once a week during the winter. My skin just feels like it needs it! Thanks for sharing <3
http://www.skinnybelle.com/
Samantha Lee-Wiraatmaja
December 5, 2014 at 4:56 am (10 years ago)We don’t have winter in Singapore, but these are great tips for when I do travel! Thanks for sharing (:
Abbie
December 5, 2014 at 12:24 am (10 years ago)I have dry hands after washing the dishes, so I really needed this advice!
The Pink Paperdoll
Sabrina @ Pink Little Notebook
December 4, 2014 at 11:39 pm (10 years ago)I always have dry skin during the winter. . . and I know it’s because I love to take scorching hot showers. Exfoliating makes all the difference. Thanks for sharing 🙂