Across much of the country, the temperatures are dipping as the chill of autumn weather arrives. Whipping winds, dry air, and cold temperatures can have a damaging effect on our skin. The cold air outside and heat inside can strip moisture from pores, making your skin itchy and dry. But you don’t have to suffer – here are some cold weather skincare tips to offer relief.
- Cracked Hands – you’re washing your hands frequently to avoid the latest bug going around, and then you do the dishes, too. All that washing dries out your skin and can cause painful cracking. Try this cold weather skincare tip – keep lotion by the sink and applying that after each wash and using rubber gloves while doing dishes and cleaning.
- Chapped Lips – Always keeping lip balm nearby is a good first step, but winter winds can make it hard to keep up with chapped lips. If your lips are so dry, they’re flaking, try using a soft toothbrush to gently exfoliate and slough off the dead skin. Then look for a lip balm with lanolin or beeswax – they’re completely natural and help reduce evaporation.
- Rough Feet – you know the seasons have changed when your feet are rough, dry, and calloused. Save some money and skip the pedicure. While you’re in the shower, try sloughing off the dead skin with a good pumice stone. Then, before going to bed, rub Vaseline or a heavy cream lotion on your feet and pull on some socks. The socks will keep the moisture locked in and your feet will wake up feeling smooth and soft.
- Irritated Eyes – cold, dry air even affects your eyes. You might not think of sunglasses when the temps are sub zero, but your eyes need the protection from wind and glare, especially if there’s snow on the ground. Keep a bottle of non-medicated saline eye drops on hand to refresh moisture when necessary. And don’t forget to keep those germy fingers away from the eye area.