Winter is just around the corner, but there are days when it feels like it’s already here. The cold air causes blood vessels to constrict to try to hold in heat, resulting in dry, irritated, and itchy skin. Less humidity, the heater, and hot showers also add to the problem. Here are some tips that will restore healthy skin.

1. Use a Humidifier

When it’s cold, we tend to crank the heat up and curl up around the fireplace. With all that extra heat comes drier air. A humidifier helps to put moisture back into the air by emitting water vapor or steam to increase moisture levels.

2. Take Shorter and Cooler Showers

In our house during the winter, the hot water runs out faster because we tend to take longer and warmer showers without realizing it. It’s tempting to want to linger underneath a hot steaming shower, but doing so strips skin of natural oils that would generally help keep skin hydrated.

3. Use a Hydrating Cleanser

During the winter, you would want to switch to a gentler cleanser that won’t dry and irritate the skin. Look for a cleanser that hydrates as well as purifies the skin like Bioelements Moisture Positive Cleanser.

4. Change Your Moisturizer

Your regular moisturizer might not be good enough to keep your skin hydrated during the winter months. The skin may need a thicker moisturizer or cream to prevent dry skin. Oils and products containing fatty acids and ceramides improve skin barrier function and helps to retain moisture in the skin. Try CELLEX-C G.L.A Extra Moist Cream to combat dry skin.

5. Use Sunscreen

Applying sunscreen in the winter is just as important as in the summer. On bright snow days, the sun reflects off the snow increasing risk of exposure to harmful UVA/UVB rays. Even on overcast days, the UV rays can pass through the clouds and cause damage. Using a sunscreen like Skin Script Sheer Protection SPF 30 can protect your skin from the effects of the sun.