Have you ever noticed that during the winter your skin gets really dry, tight and itchy? This is due a a lack of moisture to the most superficial layer of your skin (epidermis). It’s rather frustrating (and embarrassing) to continuously have to scratch your skin during the day while at work. This tends to happen to me if I don’t take proper precautions. With managing this winter itch, my main goal is to stop the itch and prevent water loss.
- Stay hydrated – Drink lots of water
- Use a gentle body cleanser. I typically use Dove Body Deep Moisture Body wash since they contains glycerin (a powerful humectant).
- As difficult as this may be: Cut down on long, hot showers. Hot showers cause your skin to dry out. Instead, opt for and luke warm baths.
- Exfoliate with a body scrub. This helps slough off dead dry skin, so your lotions/ creams can be more effective. I’ve been using Fresh Brown Sugar scrub for years and it hasn’t disappointed me. It’s a great body exfoliant and worth the investment.
- Apply an emollient or moisturizer to damp skin after bathing at night. My favorite body moisturizer is Laroche Posay’s Lipkar Balm. It’s gentle yet effective on the dryest skin so it’s a staple in our household. Mommy, Daddy, and toddler use this moisturizer daily. For emollients, I typically reach for Aquaphor Healing ointment or Cera Ve healing ointment. These tend to protect and soothe dry, cracked and chafed skin.
- Use a humidifier (it moistens the air), especially if you use central heating
Remember, stay hydrated!
These added steps take a few more minutes of your time, but it beats getting the hideous rash (xerodermatitis) and itching associated with untreated dry skin. I hope these tips helps someone.
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