Maybe you’re braving the cold in downtown Indianapolis. Maybe you’re bundled up and working from home in Carmel. Not matter the circumstance, you still have to confront central Indiana’s wicked winter weather, which can take a heavy toll on your skin.
No one wants to spend their holiday season with dry and itchy skin. So, as our gift to you, here are five ways to protect your skin from the harsh December cold.
Use a Deep Penetrating Moisturizer
We all know that the winter wind can dry out your skin, but don’t assume that you are safe inside: central heating can have a similar effect of skin. An excellent way to combat this is with a deep penetrating moisturizer.
Take Fewer Baths or Showers
When the morning temperature is below 20 degrees, a hot and steamy shower sounds wonderful! But be careful not to make hot showers and baths your “silver bullet” for dealing with the cold. High water temperature and frequent baths strip natural oils from skin, making it itchy. Limit your baths to once a day and use lukewarm water instead of hot.
Apply Body Lotions Within 3 Minutes of Getting Out of the Tub or Shower
In addition to limiting your bath frequency, you can minimize drying out your skin by moisturizing it with lotion as soon as you finish you bath or shower. If you feel that the lotion is not providing enough hydration, then consider using creams instead.
Hydrate from the Inside Out
Hydrate your skin with good nutrition. Aside from getting in your recommended 8 glasses of water a day, incorporate green tea into your diet. It is a very strong antioxidant, which can help your skin. Another excellent antioxidant is vitamin C, contained in fresh orange juice or grapefruit.
Use a Humidifier
Cold winter air and central heating pull all the moisture out of the air and out of your skin. Humidifiers for your bedroom, living room and office may help add more moisture to the air. A low-cost alternative is to place plants around the home and office or just place a pan of water on top of radiators.
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