Tips to Prevent Dry Skin

Healthy Skin in Winter

Dry skin is not just itchy and irritated, it is an exposed barrier to germs. When skin is dry there is usually cracking and tears that can allow bacteria to enter. Ensuring that your skin is hydrated and protected is important for the health of your body as a whole. There are certain things you can do to improve the health of your skin and keep dry skin away.

• When Bathing – Bathing is a very important chance to lock moisture into your skin and provide protection from the elements. Keep the bathroom door closed to trap steam, which is really just moisture. Limit the time you are in the shower to about 10 minutes and make sure the water is warm and not too hot, which can dry out the skin. When drying off, make sure the skin is blotted to keep moisture on the skin. Follow-up with moisturizer immediately after drying off to keep the moisture on your body.
• Ointment Cream/Lotion – Make sure to use a cream that contains a healthy and moisturizing oil like jojoba or olive. Shea butter also does wonders forthe skin. Lactic acid, urea, and hyaluronic acid are great ingredients to find in a great cream that is non-greasy and a wonderful relief for dry skin. One product that is beneficial for dry and chapped skin is called Badger Balm. This product is certified organic and is devoid of any harmful chemicals. It contains extra virgin olive oil, aloe, and beeswax. It also contains essential oils of wintergreen and birch that ease dry and irritated skin. Light moisturizers are not great for trapping moisture, but may be a good option for facial areas where heavier moisturizers can often times clog pores.
• Lips – Don’t forget your lips. Your lips are important skin that needs to stay hydrated and intact. The balm you select should be hydrating. Fundamental Earth has a chemical-free lip balm that has the essential oil of peppermint, organic palm oil, organic beeswax, extra virgin olive oil, hemp seed oil, vitamin E, and rosemary oil.
• Gentle/Unscented Products – Make sure to use deodorants and skin care products that are unscented. Fragrances can cause irritation to the skin and alcohol can dry the skin. Retinoids and alpha-hydroxy acids are also used to treat fine lines and wrinkles, but they can also dry out skin and cause moisture loss.
• Add Moisture to the Air – Make sure to add some moisture to the air you breathe by investing in a humidifier that will help you get some moisture. Diffusers are also great ways of dispersing essential oils and water vapor that can heal an ailments you may be experiencing.
• Avoid Irritants – Make sure to wear clothing that breathes, like cotton or silk. Also, consider using hypoallergenic laundry detergent that will not cause allergies or skin irritations.
• Blankets – Get a warm and cozy blanket to snuggle with instead of a fire or heat source that can dry out your skin and your air passages.