How to Handle Cracked and Itchy Skin in the Winter

Once the weather starts to cool off, your skin might become very dry, and that can lead to a variety of annoying issues. If you are tired of dealing with cracked and itchy skin during the coldest months of the year, then it is time to come up with a comprehensive skincare plan.

Taking a hot shower can be very relaxing, but that water will eventually damage your skin. Instead of rinsing off in scalding hot water, you should make sure that your showers and baths are lukewarm. You might also want to invest in a water softener if your water is filled with sediment. Over time, the minerals that are in hard water will dry out your skin and hair.

Furnaces and heaters can dry out the inside of a home, and that could result in itchy skin and rashes. Luckily, portable humidifiers are relatively inexpensive, and those devices only take a few minutes to set up. You also have the option of investing in a whole-house humidifier if multiple people in your family are dealing with dry skin. That device will connect directly to your HVAC system, and it will regulate the humidity levels throughout your entire home.

Many people don’t drink enough water when the weather cools off, and being dehydrated is going to have a major impact on your skin. Everyone has slightly different hydration needs, but the average adult should try to drink at least eight full glasses of water per day. Those who exercise or have strenuous jobs might need to drink as much as 12 or 15 glasses of water per day in order to stay hydrated. Make sure to also ingest healthy foods full of Vitamins A, E, and C, or use additives like hemp oilto take care of your skin.

If you are struggling with dry skin on your hands, then you should probably spend a little bit of time looking up hand eczema information. Cold and dry air can cause eczema flare-ups, and so can certain foods and soaps. You might need to protect your hands with a topical corticosteroid or NSAID ointment. You should also be mindful of how often you wash your hands and what type of soap you use.

These tips are a great start, but you need to speak with a dermatologist if your skin problems won’t go away. You could have an underlying health issue that is impacting your skin, and one of those medical professionals can help you come up with a long-term treatment plan.