Your skin is your body’s largest organ and, as you might expect, it has a lot to cope with. Temperature fluctuations, sun exposure, dry winter air, stiff and scratchy fabrics, not to mention certain skincare products that aren’t exactly healthy or gentle.
As this blog goes to press, it’s in the month of November which happens to be National Healthy Skin Month. But since skin requires constant care to look and feel its best, don’t quite come December 1.
Follow these tips to care for and protect your skin.
How You Wash Your Face Matters
- Use a gentle cleanser free of alcohol and artificial fragrances.
- Using lukewarm water, wet your face, and use fingertips to apply your cleanser; using a sponge or washcloth can irritate the skin.
- Avoid scrubbing your skin as that could cause irritation.
- Rinse well with lukewarm water and gently pat dry with a soft, clean towel.
- Apply a good quality moisturizer while your face is slightly damp. Take extra care with the delicate skin around your eyes.
- Wash your face twice a day (morning and night) and after heavy perspiration, like after a workout.
Caring for Dry Skin
Even normal-to-oily skin can feel itchy and dry during the winter months. Follow these tips to help prevent and relieve dry skin.
- Keep showers and baths short and sweet, using warm water and a mild cleanser. Long, hot showers can dry skin out. Once done, pat dries gently with a clean, soft towel.
- Apply a good moisturizer as soon as you get out of the shower or bath, preferably one without fragrance or alcohol.
- Choose your skincare products carefully; those with alcohol, fragrance, dyes, and other chemicals can irritate the skin.
- Wear soft, breathable fabrics and always apply sun protection to exposed areas of the body, even on cloudy, cold days.
- While it’s crucial to wash hands frequently, doing so can leave them dry, cracked, and even bleeding. Apply hand cream after each washing.
- Use a humidifier to replenish the moisture that dry, winter weather and your heating system deplete.
If these tips don’t bring relief, see a dermatologist as very dry skin may need a prescription cream or could be a sign of an underlying condition.
Of course, another great way to maintain healthy skin is to treat yourself and your home to a water softener from Mike’s Plumbing & Heating. Your skin will be softer, as will your laundry and hair. Plus, softer water is easier on appliances and pipes and removes unwanted tastes from your water. Contact Mike’s today for all the details and a free new system proposal.