Winter Skin Itch...

By Julie Beebe at HelloLife

As the fall/winter weather hits I find my skin feeling tighter and tighter not to mention becoming scaly from eczema. It happens every year in at least one spot usually my elbow, but this weekend I also noticed my hands were really dry. I already use moisturizing soaps like dove. Actually I am pretty experienced with eczema because my kids have all shown signs at one time or another and changing the lotions and soaps was always the first step.

I decided to tackle my hands with some almond milk and shea butter, and they helped. But, I am still feeling the effects every time I wash my hands or do a dish. I find I need to put gloves on after I put the moisturizer on to get them to feel right again. I also read that basically to keep your hands soft, always wear gloves.

I found a skin care site http://www.skincarenet.org/ that gave some good tips for winter skin care.

10 Winter Skin Care Tips:

Avoid long soaks in hot, soapy water. Relaxing in a hot bath sounds wonderful when you're cold, but hot, soapy water can remove the protective oils from your skin
Use a mild bath product or one that is pH balanced. Look for natural ingredients
Pat your skin to dry it – don't rub
Apply a shielding lotion right after the bath or shower to help the skin's protective layer stay intact
Reapply every four to six hours to maintain the integrity of the layer all day
Look at the ingredients on any product you buy to treat severe itching. Stay away from those with chemicals that could make the condition worse
Moisturize from the inside out. What you eat affects the condition of your skin. Add walnuts, Canola Oil and ground flaxseeds to your diet
Eat foods rich in Vitamin E – green leafy vegetables and wheat germ flakes
Drink at least eight glasses of liquid – preferably good water. Stay away from sodas or drinks with caffeine, which dry the skin
Use a humidifier to increase the level of moisture in the air

Hope they work!

5 Comments

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Bri Luginbill
Thanks for posting this, Julie. My skin (especially on the bottoms of my feet) is always so dry in the winter. I really enjoy tip #7 Moisturize from the inside out. What you eat affects the condition of your skin. Add walnuts, Canola Oil and ground flaxseeds to your diet. I am going to have to try that!
Commented on HelloLife November 09 2011 at 1:01 pm
Julie Beebe at HelloLife
#9 is my major downfall when it comes to health issues... I never drink enough water!!
Commented on HelloLife November 09 2011 at 1:43 pm
Erin Froehlich
Hahaha - This a total pet peeve of mine.

I am weirdly bothered by having dry skin - especially on my hands. Though I'm not bothered by getting dirty or messiness, the drying effect dirt has on my hands will drive me CRAZY. Clay is another one. I actually keep a pail of water out in my garden with me so I can rinse the dirt off before it dries.

Lotion is ESSENTIAL for me, especially in the winter!

Commented on HelloLife November 09 2011 at 4:15 pm
Nancy
I had a service done at a Spa and the specialist suggested I use Grape Seed Oil. She said to just mix it with your lotion and rub it on. I've been using it for several years now and it does work plus it's natural. I just bought a bottle from the grocery store.
Commented on HelloLife November 10 2011 at 4:00 pm
Laura Hogg
Thanks for the great tips, Julie!

My mom was just visiting my sister-in-law Amy, and Amy's general philosophy is that you shouldn't put anything on your skin that you wouldn't eat. She makes her own facial scrubs with raw honey and brown sugar, and recommended that my mom use coconut oil on her face...it seems to be working! I think I might give it a try :)
Commented on HelloLife November 14 2011 at 7:58 am