by T.L.Gowans

Created on: September 12, 2008   Last Updated: September 17, 2008

Winter can be such a harsh time of year for your delicate skin. You end up spending more money trying out different moisturizers to combat this problem, only to end up back where you started. The following are just a few simple tips to help

1. Water! Drink plenty of water. Hydration is so important to your body and skin. When you're feeling dehydrated, so is your skin. Drinking plenty of water applies to all ages.

2. Exfoliate! It's so important to get the dead dry skin off, prior to moisturizing. Try using a loofah sponge and exfoliating body wash. You don't need to scrub hard. Let the sponge and body wash do the work for you. You'll notice immediately a difference in the texture and color of your skin.
3. Avoid harsh soaps. Baby formulated soaps are milder and great for sensitive skin and perfect for all ages.
4. Try using light body oil, such as baby oil or any after bath oil immediately after bathing. Apply the oil while your skin is still wet and pat dry, not rub, with a towel. Make sure to wipe of any excess oil, so not to stain your clothing. You'll notice your skin will feel softer and will stay moisturized longer.
5. Use body butters or thicker creams to moisturize. Some lotions that are highly scented seem to dry out your skin faster, so avoid highly scented lotions.
6. Try and avoid lotions that contain alcohol. If you're not able to find a lotion that does not contain alcohol, look to see where the alcohol is located in the ingredients. If it's located near the top of the ingredients, chances are there's too much and you probably want to avoid it. Lotions that contain oatmeal are great moisturizers.
7. Moisturize! Moisturize! Moisture! Keep lotion on hand. Keep it by your sinks, in your purse, at your desk.
8. Avoid hot showers. Excessive hot showers dry out your skin. Also try to limit the amount of time you spend in the shower. The longer you spend in the shower can actually irritate and make your skin problems worse.
9. Use a humidifier in the rooms of your home that you spend the most time in. Your heater/furnace in your home dries out all of the moisture in your home, which does a number on your skin and hair.
10. Check into getting a water softener for your home. Many companies offer lease and rent to own options, if purchasing one is too expensive. You'll notice after using one that you will use less soap and your skin will be less dry. A water softener reduces the harsh minerals that are in our tap water. Using one can help reduce the problematic symptoms that children and adults often experience due to eczema and other dry skin conditions.

By trying out these simple tips, you may be able to say goodbye to your past winter dry skin and hello to your beautiful radiant skin.

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