Healthy Skin for the Winter

By Donna Stark

Do you live in a part of the country that experiences cold, winter weather? If you do, you are probably already aware of how damaging it can be to the health of your skin. Whether it causes your skin to be dry and itchy or to become flaky, cracked, and bloody, it's fair to say that the weather is certainly not a friend of yours during this season. Fortunately, there are several things you can do to ease the discomfort your skin is going through. Take a look at the following recommendations from your local chiropractors at The Joint Chiropractic.

Invest in a Humidifier

Your skin is your body's largest organ, so you definitely want to maintain its healthy state. An easy way to do this during the winter is to invest in a quality humidifier. A humidifier will combat the dryness of the air in your home by keeping it hydrated, and in doing so, will help keep your skin healthy. Humidifiers are also great to have during the challenging cold and flu season because they help keep your nasal passages from becoming too dry as well.

Use the Right Products

What you used for your face and body during the summer may not be ideal for the frightful weather you are experiencing right now. For the next couple of months, avoid using harsh chemical peels, masks, and alcohol-based toners (all of which can strip vital oil from your skin), and choose products that are gentle and rich in moisturizing ingredients instead. You may even want to skip those products that are fragranced too. Fragrances are just more chemicals that your body really doesn't need.

Take Shorter Showers

Speaking of cleansers and lotions, you may also want to reduce the length of your hot showers or try to turn the heat down a bit. Sure, a hot shower or bath sounds tempting after coming in from the cold, but it can wreak havoc on your skin. And if you can't give them up, then at least keep the door to your bathroom closed until after you have dried off and moisturized.

Start Glowing Once Again

The dry cold air, harsh winds, and blasting heat in your cars and home all work together to leave your skin feeling dry, itchy, and painful. Take care of your body's largest organ and start feeling better by replenishing the moisture that's been lost and retaining what you have left. It's easy to do with the simple tips above, so start today!

To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Sunset Hills, Mo.