Winter is upon us! The season of holidays, gift-giving, skiing, and… dry skin. But worry not, we have 5 handy tips you can use to combat the effects of harsh winter weather.
1. Avoid chlorine
Chlorine is one of the biggest culprits when it comes to dry skin. Not only is it a known carcinogen, but we are exposed to it everyday in our tap water. When we shower, our pores open up and our bodies absorb much more chlorine than one would simply by drinking the water.
How can you avoid it? Using a shower filter designed to remove chlorine is the perfect solution – affordable and easy to install.
Our top pick: The Sprite Hi-Output Shower Filter. Contains a reversible filter cartridge containing Sprite’s patented Chlorgon media which works even with hot water.
2. Use a humidifier
HeavenFresh HF707 Ultrasonic Digital Humidifer
Humidifiers have a lot of benefits, especially in the winter. They allow for easier breathing, a reduced risk of colds, air that feels warmer, and most importantly, your skin won’t be as dry.
Opt for an ultrasonic humidifier that releases the moisture into the air in the form of an extremely fine mist (about 1 micrometer in diameter) that is quickly absorbed into the air flow. Use soft or purified water (like reverse osmosis or distilled) to keep your humidifier free from mineral build-up.
Fun fact: A humidifier helps avoid the mini-shocks you get from static electricity.
Our top pick: The HeavenFresh HF707 Digital Ultrasonic Humidifier with negative ions. Runs up to 7 nights without a refill, stays virtually silent, and has variable spray control making it great for small and large areas.
3. Moisturize, moisturize, moisturize
Choosing a good moisturizer for the winter time is important, even if you have oily skin. Be sure to pick one with vitamins C and E, to soothe, protect, and nourish your skin. Exfoliate too – it’s a myth that exfoliating in winter creates dryness. Sloughing off the dry skin actually helps new moisture-rich cells break through – just make sure you moisturize thoroughly to build up the weakened skin barrier.
Our top pick: Jergens Ultra Healing Extra Dry Skin Moisturizer
4. Avoid hot showers
We know, hot showers are amazing, especially when you’ve been out in the cold. But when taken frequently and for long periods of time, hot showers tend to break down the special proteins and lipids that form a protective barrier to lock in moisture. If you absolutely can’t resist, try for a shorter shower – less than ten minutes is ideal.
5. Experience soft water
The hard minerals in your tap water react with the soaps (which are alkaline) and remove the protective oils that your skin produces naturally. This can not only result in dry and tight skin, but also eventually lead to a rash.
Our top pick: The EcoWater ERR 3500 not only softens the water, but contains a carbon media that also removes the chlorine – for your whole house.
