by The Funky Olive

Created on: January 22, 2007   Last Updated: June 29, 2009

Winter can definitely wreak havoc on our skin. For those of us that live in climates where indoor heating is required during the winter months, we have to live and work in very dry environments. While many of us can not control the environment we work in, we can do our best in our homes. If you have heat registers, try placing a pan of water over them, or consider a humidifier - either one that hooks up directly to your furnace, or a portable unit - to add some moisture into your home during the winter.

Immediately after bathing, and this is something that should be practiced all year long, not just winter time, be sure to lather on some moisturizing lotion all over your body. Try to find a lotion or cream that contains glycerin or mineral oil. Regular moisturizing of your body will benefit you in your older years! And when you're bathing, try not to run the water too hot, as hotter water tends to dry your skin out at a faster pace. It's really best to have a quick lukewarm shower for no longer than 10 minutes, rather than a long hot soaking bath. Although a nice soaker is soothing to your soul, it's not doing your skin any favors.

Be sure your water intake is up to snuff. They say a minimum of 8 glasses per day, but some people may require more, depending on what type of activities you do. Water consumption is a vital component of keeping our skin moisturized and supple. The human body consists of about 50-65 percent water, so it's very important that we replenish wasted water and flush out the bad toxins to aid in hydration.

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