Preparing Skin for Spring

How to get relief from dry, itchy winter skin

Jan Faris

Many who live in the northern half of the country have experienced one of the worst winter seasons in recent history. With snow storms and below zero weather, it’s been a challenge to keep skin soft.

The outer layer of skin, the epidermis, is the protective layer for internal organs and the skeletal structure.  Skin helps absorb toxins and poisons from pollutants in the air. During harsh winters, good care is a must. The following tips do not take a lot of time; yet will still give a good pampering for this important part of the body.

Your Skin for Moisturizer

Starting with a good base before applying lotions or creams is the key to elimination of dry skin. Washing with a body wash or scrub is best. Bar soaps have fillers and wax to bind the soap into its hard form, so they are not good for skin.

Using a loofah or natural sea sponge is a better option than using a wash cloth. Wash cloths tend to just move the dirt around. Dead skin cells don’t come off with a wash cloth, which allows new cells can rise to the top and regenerate. If you prefer baths over showers, be sure to rinse off with a shower. Tub water leaves grime on the skin and can be rubbed back into the newly opened pores with moisturizer.  Also, it’s best to pat skin dry instead of toweling too harshly.

Moisturize to the Nth Degree

This two-step routine works well in the winter. In summer, lotions may be sufficient to keep skin soft and moist.

Step 1 ~ Apply an oil spray or gel. Let it sit on the skin for a good five minutes to give it time to soak in and dry properly.

Step 2 ~ Liberally slather on shea butter or oatmeal-based body lotions.

Winter and Pre-Spring Facial Care

In addition to whatever routine or product is used on a daily basis, it is important to apply extra moisturizer in winter to protect facial skin from the cold blowing wind.  The cold blowing wind dries skin out very fast, robbing the dermis of moisture.  Skin can become chapped, flaky, cracked, and even start bleeding for severe cases of dehydration.

Hands and Feet

Whether scrubbing floors, shampooing the dog or washing off garden dirt, frequent exposure to water presents extra challenges to our hands. Wearing rubber gloves as much as possible will alleviate some of this abuse. Applying shea butter several times a day also helps.

For the care of feet, sea salt scrubs and lotions are recommended, along with the use of a pumice stone when needed. Adhering to these simple steps in winter will get your feet in shape for sandal season.

If you have a high yeast content in your body, your heels can get white cracks in them.  A favorite way of healing this is to eat coconut oil daily and use coconut oil on your skin daily.

Protective Clothing

When temperatures drop below zero, face and hands exposed to the elements for any period of time can and will cause permanent skin damage. Bundling in a proper coat, gloves, hat, scarf and boots is essential to keep from losing the tips of body parts as skin can freeze in a matter of minutes. Even on auto trips, savvy northerners keep extra clothing, blankets and a survival kit in their cars. Stay prepared for those bitter cold winds.

Even now, when it is warmer during the day, the temps can still drop down at night.  Keep warm clothing with you, in case you are stay out or get home later than planned.

Hydration and Nutrition

Good internal health brings outer beauty to the world. A healthy, year-round routine includes three balanced meals a day with healthy snacks between, vitamins as needed, lots of water, green and white teas, and a solid night’s sleep. All of these combined work from the inside out and helps to maintain the skin’s elasticity.

Your Skin and Menopause

For those who are in the 50+ range, menopause can be maddening. Your skin may benefit by using products with fewer chemicals, dyes, and alcohols. These additives tend to dry the skin, requiring more frequent application. Products with botanical plant extracts and fewer additives help heal and soothe skin from the rigors of menopause, plus the cold harsh blowing winds of winter.

Spring is just around the corner and soon your skin will be rehydrated by its natural oils in the sweat glands. Until then, help your skin do its job properly by caring for it properly. Giving it extra care during these cold months and the more moderate months leading up to spring will keep the dry winter itch at bay.