Harsh, cold winter air and dry heat can be tough on your skin. We're counting down the days til Groundhog Day in the hopes that Punxsutawny Phil will reward us with an early spring. In the meantime, what can you do to beat the winter blues that wreak havoc on your skin?
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Moisturize often. Seems like a no brainer, right? Dry skin can cause irritation, redness, and itchiness. Step one to resolving this is to choose a gentle moisturizer to keep you hydrated. Our favorites? Kiehls' Ultimate Strength Hand Salve and Jergens Ultra Healing Moisturizer. Trust us!
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Take shorter, warm (not hot) showers and baths. A hot shower can feel great on cold skin, but it can result in extremely dry skin. Choose a moisturizing body wash to nourish dry skin.
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Keep the humidity level up indoors. Invest in a humidifier - your skin will thank you! Not only does it help with dryness indoors, it can also be a lifesaver in the midst of a bad cold.
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Stay hydrated. Coffee and hot chocolate can warm you up from the cold, but the caffeine they contain can cause dryness from the inside. It's important to drink lots of water to stay hydrated even though you might be tempted! Fill a water bottle to keep you hydrated on the go.
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Dress the part. Cozy wool sweaters can keep you warm, but the fibers can cause irritation without a protective layer in between. Choose a thin layer for added warmth and skin protection. Soon enough you'll need to wash that sweater. Avoid enzyme-rich detergents that can cause skin irritation. Opt for a mild, gentle detergent that can clean and protect those natural fibers to keep them lasting season after season.
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Protect yourself with SPF. Cold weather makes us forget that the sun's harsh rays are beating down on us. Choose an SPF to protect your skin, both on and off the slopes.