10 Ways to Prevent and Repair Dry Skin

Dry skin is just a part of winter. It’s just something we all have to deal with, right? Wrong! Here are 10 Ways to Prevent and Repair Dry Skin this winter. These include simple steps you can take to keep your skin from getting dried out, as well as easy ways to moisturize cracked and chapped skin you may already be experiencing.

10 Ways to Prevent and Repair Dry Skin

1. Don’t over-do it! If you’re using an exfoliator, now’s the time to cut back a bit. Exfoliators can actually make dry skin worse, especially in the winter, so use them sparingly over these next few months.

2. Skip the bath tub. I’m not saying you should be stinky all winter long, but taking showers instead of baths can really save your skin! It’s so relaxing to soak in the hot tub, but taking short showers will help prevent dry skin this winter. Super hot water can strip your hair and skin of moisture, so keep it warm – not hot. Pat dry!

3. Add humidity to your room. Dry, hot air actually contributes to your skin’s dehydration. A portable humidifier is a great way to put moisture into the air, which can then be absorbed by your hair and skin.

4. Moisturize effectively. Using an oil-based moisturizer is the way to go, especially during the colder (and dryer) months. Oil-based moisturizers, along with ointments, will help seal water into your skin and preserve moisture better than other moisturizers can.

5. Lather up! If you’re going to be spending time outside during the winter, apply a moisturizing sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher to your skin. On top of protecting you from harmful UV rays, sunscreen will help lock in moisture all day long.

6. Skip the perfume. Perfume-like products contain alcohol, which can dry your skin out. Stick to fragrance-free soaps, body washes, and lotions.

7. Cracked skin? Applying a moisturizer after washing your hands is the best way to avoid dry, cracked skin. Sometimes it still happens, though. If your hands are still really dry, use a thick moisturizer or ointment on your hands (or feet!), and cover them with gloves or socks before bed. It feels weird, but this is pretty much like a spa treatment for your skin. I promise it will feel much better in the morning!

8. Dry scalp? It’s no fun to have a dry, flaky scalp. Besides the fact that it’s usually itchy, it’s also annoying to have flakes of dry skin floating around, right? Fix this by massaging coconut oil into your scalp before hopping in the shower. Then, try switching to a dry scalp shampoo for the winter.

9. Chapped lips? I always have an EOS lip balm available because I love them, but there are other ways to prevent (and cure) chapped lips. Apply honey or Vaseline to your lips for 10 minutes, then remove by dipping a cotton swab in hot water and gently wiping your lips clean. Honey helps lock in moisture, and is a natural antioxidant as a bonus!

10. Scaly legs? Mix a few drops of lime and two teaspoons of milk cream together, then rub your legs (and elbows, even) down with it before hopping into the shower. Remember to pat dry when getting out!

How do you combat dry skin in the winter?

Bonus: Make some fresh Coconut Shampoo. It’s easy, I promise! Just rub it on your face, and leave it on over night. Coconut milk will help relieve dry skin, and it reduces dark spots, too!