With January being the coldest month of the year, winter is now in full effect! Although the look of freshly fallen snow is absolutely gorgeous the skin condition known as winter itch is not! I’ve dealt with this condition for many winters and it is not fun. Constantly slabbing lotions and creams on, scratching your skin raw just to be left with ugly scars and painful itchy skin, I know it all too well.
After dealing with this for some time I did some research on what causes winter itch in the first place. to my understanding, it is actually due to the dry winter air and also the dry heat from your furnace. Although we can’t change the climate and atmosphere, there are some things you can do to combat the itch. I finally came up with the perfect recipe for beating winter itch in 5 easy steps. Read on to learn how to be itch-free this winter and all future winters to come!
Add moisture to the air
Invest in a cool mist humidifier. This little invention will do wonders for both your skin and hair. Fill it with distilled water and run it on low throughout the day. Especially at night. I found that it not only combats winter itch but also chapped lips and dry hair and scalp.
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Take warm short showers
Although it is very tempting to take a long hot 30-minute shower in the winter… Don’t! The hot water, as well as the extended water exposure, will actually dry your skin out leaving it feeling itchy, tight, and dry. Instead, take a shorter 10-15 minute warm shower. Your skin will thank you for it.
Use a moisturizing body wash
Instead of bar soap opt for a moisturizing body wash instead. I am currently a fan of the Dove body wash. I put 2 pumps on my loofa and the lather is just heavenly! It’s super rich, creamy, and smells amazing. My skin always feels so soft and supple after using it.
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Apply a moisturizer made specifically for dry itchy skin
Immediately after showering and towel blotting your skin apply a rich moisturizer that is designed specifically for battling dry itchy skin. I’m currently a fan of the Eucerin Skin Calming lotion. It contains soothing oatmeal to help combat itchy dry skin. I haven’t had an issue with winter itch since using this moisturizer, even when I didn’t own a humidifier and used bar soap.
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Drink lots of fluids (Specifically water)
Last, but not least, keep yourself hydrated. You can follow all the above steps, but you want to also make sure you are hydrating yourself on the inside as well. Drink at least 8 glasses of water in the form of water, herbal tea, and juice. Make sure most of it is plain water though. Also, limit caffeinated beverages such as coffee, energy drinks, and certain teas since they have a dehydrating effect on the body.
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I hope these tips were helpful in your fight against winter itch. These tips have worked wonders for my skin and I no longer find myself scratching my skin to oblivion. Do you have any extra tips you’d like to share? Let me know in the comments below! ♥
