Combatting Dry Skin

As the weather turns colder, you may be experiencing a common problem that millions face every year: cracked, dry, and even bleeding skin!

This ailment can be painful, but the good news is that there are a lot of things you can avoid and treat cracked, dry skin.

Hydrate from Within

Your first line of defense when it comes to dry skin is to fight it at a molecular level. Did you know that most Americans are dehydrated every day? Cracked skin is one of your body’s warning sign that you are dehydrated.

How much water should you drink in a day?

Take your weight and divide it in half. Convert the pounds to ounces.

So if you weigh 180 pounds, you need to be drinking 90 ounces of water a day.

Use a Moisture Binding Lotion

Do some research and make sure that the lotion you use isn’t making your skin worse! Look for lotions that treat eczema or try one of those in-shower or after-shower moisturizers.

Use a Humidifier and Gentle Products

Because if dry air, heaters, and increased hand washing due to illnesses in the winter, hands are particularly susceptible to very dry skin. Try putting a humidifier at your desk or near your bed. Also consider switching to a gentler soap or other products that you use regularly. Harsh products strip your skin of hydrating oils it needs to function properly.

Protect Skin from the Wind

You may be able to cut down on the pain and problem of dry skin by protecting it from the wind. If you’re in an extreme climate, consider wearing something to cover your face and hands when you’re outside, particularly for a longer period of time.