subject: Find Out How To Avoid Cracked Skin This Winter [print this page] Find Out How To Avoid Cracked Skin This Winter
Winters coming, and as we all know this is a time that doesn't just nip at your nose, it affects your whole body. According to the National Health Survey Eighty-one Million Americans suffer from cracked, dry skin each year. The cold dry winter air can take its toll on your skin, taking away all oils and water leaving your skin unprotected. This is when you experience the pain of itchy, cracked, irritated skin. Having this happen to you is not only painful - it can make you more susceptible to infection. Fortunately for you there are various steps you can take to avoid all this keeping your skin soft, moisturized, and protected from the icy cold air. Here are some organic tips to help you along the way.
You're going to want to start by eating plenty of Omega 3 fats, these help keep your skin moisturized, some options are flaxseeds, walnuts, and wild salmon. Eggs and avocado are also a good source for Omega 3 fats. Also eating dark leafy greens such as kale, spinach, or romaine lettuce, these can be very hydrating. If you're strapped for time, grab an Omega 3 supplement.
You're body needs plenty of water to stay hydrated so get into the habit of drinking as much water as you can now. Even if we weren't talking about winter - this is always a good idea, 73% of Americans do not drink enough stand-alone water, I know, I know - the sugar filled pepsi tastes so much better, but if you want to help your body make the choice of drinking water more often.
Using a humidifier is a well known technique to keep your lips, skin, and nose moisturized during the winter. If you're in an office, get one - your co-workers will be very happy you did. Just be sure to clean it regularly so as not to suffer a build up of bacteria, mold and fungi.
Try to avoid taking those long soothing hot showers, the change in temperature can have a drastic affect on your skin, if the water is too hot it can scald your skin causing it to become dry. Moreover, during your shower - try to use organic, moisturizing soap - alcohol based cleansers can leave your skin dry and ready to crack. During the winter your best option is to find a creamy rich cleansing soap that is designed at moisturizing.
To reiterate what has just been said in one word, moisturize. It sounds basic - the cure to dry skin, is to simply moisturize. Apply heavy, oil based moisturizer on your skin many times a day - especially so after being in the bath or shower when your skin is most vulnerable. The importance of finding an oil based moisturizer can not be stressed enough, it will create a protective layer on the skin that retains moisture. A Combination of all of these tips and techniques will without a doubt help protect your skin from any level of cold this winter throws at you.
