Healing Dry, Chapped Skin -

Dry, chapped skin and winter weather go hand in hand. It doesn’t take long for the dry air to wreak havoc on your skin or make your cheeks feel rough. Many people start to experience this as soon as the cool fall air starts to waft through their open windows. That doesn’t mean you’re stuck with irritated, red skin all season. This multi-step process will help you learn about healing dry, chapped skin to enjoy silky, smooth cheeks.

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Moisturize

Invest in excellent moisturization products to ensure your skin has plenty of moisture. Upgrade thin summer face creams to thick, hydrating face creams. Use hydrating makeup products to ensure your skin gets plenty of moisture. Apply your moisturizer when you take a shower or wash your face to help trap moisture.

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Protection

Dry skin needs additional protection to prevent moisture loss. You can use all the moisturization products available, but they won’t matter if you quickly lose moisture. Invest in barrier creams with ingredients like hyaluronic acid to ensure your skin retains moisture.

Products with natural emollients, such as honey, can also help restore your skin’s natural barrier to help you retain moisture. Some people use Vaseline or petroleum jelly to create a thick layer between their skin and the dry air.

Avoid Harsh Products

If you are healing dry, chapped skin, it’s crucial to be mindful of your skincare routine. Harsh products can further irritate your skin, making it more challenging to heal. Avoid products that have strong fragrances or a lot of ingredients. Try using gentle products that offer natural ingredients. In a pinch, you can also use coconut oil as a moisturizer.

Remember Your Lips

Your lips are more sensitive than the rest of your body’s skin, and they have a more challenging time retaining moisture. Invest in a high-quality lip oil to help nourish your lips throughout the winter. Lip oils can also provide a protective layer to help retain moisture. Lip scrubs are crucial to remove dry, dead skin and keep your lips kissably soft.

Dry, Cracked Heels

Healing dry, cracked heels is easier than addressing dry skin on the rest of your body. Use a thick body cream on your heels before bed. Apply it liberally, even if it feels like you’re wearing too much. Then, wear thick socks to make sure it doesn’t get all over your bedding. If you don’t have a thick body cream, you can also use Vaseline or petroleum jelly.

Preventing Dry Skin Before It Happens

Always take extra steps to prevent dry, chapped skin before it happens. Protect your skin from harsh elements. Wear a coat, gloves, or scarf when you’re outside to make sure the dry air doesn’t leave your skin chapped. Vaseline and petroleum jelly can create a barrier between your skin and dry air to help keep skin healthy.

Turn down the heat in your home to further prevent dry skin. Heat that comes from heaters, including the heater in your car, is dry. Point the heater vents in your car away from your face to ensure it doesn’t irritate your skin.

Avoid hot showers and baths. Hot water can dry out your skin. Instead, take lukewarm showers and baths. Use a body oil and lotion after you get out of the shower to keep your skin hydrated.

A skincare routine designed to keep your skin hydrated is key to preventing dry skin before it happens. You may have to switch products during winter to ensure you don’t get dry, irritated skin. Opt for hydrating products instead of ones designed to combat the sweat and oil that goes hand in hand with summer.

Harsh ingredients, including those designed to combat aging like retinol, can make dry, chapped skin feel worse. Consider natural oils and ingredients as an alternative to ensure your skin has plenty of time to heal, and doesn’t get more irritated from harsh ingredients.