Winter Effects On Skin

Winter can play havoc with your skin. The skin is the largest organ in the body and is susceptible to many of the environmental hazards that can attack it. A lessening of humidity causes the skin to lose moisture and become abnormally dry. Wearing additional layers of clothes will also have this effect by preventing the skins ability to breathe properly. This scenario causes the skin to become drier as the season progresses. Keeping the skin moisturized all year round is of course important, but becomes even more so during the winter months. Therefore, using a good moisturizer on a daily basis is a must.

Moisturizers are very individual. What may work for one, of course may not work for another. Some experimentation may be necessary. Individuals must find a moisturizer that works best for him or her. You should also be aware that the most expensive moisturizer is not always best and may not give the desired results. Start with the least expensive. However, use one with a good brand name. A company that specializes in manufacturing moisturizers would be a good choice.

As we all know, showering and bathing will have a tendency to dry the skin. This causes the natural oils secreted by the skin to be depleted. These oils need to be protected and restored. An excellent way is using this great method. Keep a bottle of baby oil near your bathtub or shower. A very light mineral oil can also be used, but you may find the baby oil better because it is lighter and won’t be quite as sticky. Just follow this procedure for best results.

1. After showering or bathing, do not completely towel dry. Sponge dry to remove the excess water, leaving the skin slightly damp. 
2. Next apply the baby oil (or light mineral oil) to the entire body by placing a little in your hand and spreading over one area at a time.
3. When the entire body is covered with the oil, use your towel to pat dry, but do not rub, as that will remove the oil you have applied. A slight film of oil should be left.
4. After emerging from the shower or bathtub, you may still feel a little damp. However, that feeling will pass within a few minutes as the air- dries you.

Using the above simple procedures plus the daily use of a moisturizer that you have found to work for you, will keep the skin soft, supple and naturally moisturized. Itching and dryness will greatly lessened or completely gone.