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Take care of your skin during the winter with these handy tips

With temperatures dropping below freezing, be mindful of the toll that frost takes on your skin. The good news is that we can help you keep your skin in top condition when the winter weather arrives. View our tips here.

Swap your lotions for creams
When the weather changes, so should your skin care products. For most of us, dry skin appears in winter as a result of changes in temperature and humidity, so you need to think about suitable skin care formulas. That means choosing thick creams over watery lotions. Lotions are the least moist because they contain so much water. Creams are a better choice for those with dry skin.

Keep your sunscreen handy
Most of us don't think of sunscreen as a winter thing, but it's a necessity. Even when the temperature drops, the sun's rays can still emit powerful ultraviolet radiation. If you're near snow or water, those UV rays can be even more powerful because of the reflective surfaces, making wearing protection a top priority.

Soak and lubricate This is a technique long recommended by dermatologists to help keep moisture in your skin. After soaking your skin, apply moisturizer. In other words, after you shower, get out, pat dry slightly, then apply moisturizer while your skin is still damp.

Don't take a long hot shower
Many of us like to linger longer in steamy hot showers, especially when it's cold outside. These feel good, especially when your skin is itchy. But this can actually damage your skin barrier and also aggravate dry, itchy skin. Therefore, it is recommended to limit showers to 10 minutes and to use lukewarm water instead of warm water.

Protect your hands with gloves
It is very important to maintain an intact and well-functioning skin barrier. But this presents challenges in winter as extreme temperatures can damage the skin barrier, as can high winds. An important part of taking care of your skin is using the right protective clothing. Gloves keep your fingers warm and also protect them.

Turn on your humidifier
The dry winter skin gets worse as soon as the heating in the house is turned on. That heat starts drying the air in your home, which in turn starts drying your skin. A humidifier in your bedroom when you sleep can really help.

Think about silk, not wool for long underwear For women who wear leggings or tights all winter long, the fabric you choose can make a big difference to your skin. Wool is known to be very irritating, and so are many other fabrics. It's not just the material itself; the way it's woven can make a difference in how it feels against your skin. Silk leggings are an ideal choice for those with sensitive skin. Cotton leggings, when woven properly, are another friendlier, but also cheaper option.