By Donna V. Scaglione
Winter is tough on skin. Outside, cold winds blow hard. Indoors the heating system blasts air that makes the office feel like the Arizona desert. The result is lips and elbows that feel like sand paper, and a complexion that looks flakey.
But the consequences of dry skin are not just aesthetic; well-moisturized skin is the body’s barrier from infectious viruses and bacteria. Healthy skin helps promote overall health. So if your skin is looking and feeling less than optimal this time of year, here are 10 tips to help soothe it.
1. Cleanse Gently
Skip the deodorant and antibacterial soaps, which strip skin’s essential oils, advises WebMD.com. Choose mild, lightly scented, or unscented soaps, which are gentler on the skin. Also, consider using a more mild laundry detergent as well, one less likely to leave residue on clothes that can irritate dry, chapped skin. Nix the harsh facial peels, masks, and alcohol-based toners and astringents, as well. Use foaming or milk cleansers instead.
