A new season is always an exciting time, but the winter can be really harsh on your skin.

As your skin gets drier, the desire to stockpile skin creams becomes greater and greater, but we’d advise you to hold off as there are some natural ways to keep your skin healthy as the weather gets colder. Read on as our team at AFC Urgent Care Athens, TN sheds some light on how you can properly take care of your skin.

Why Does My Skin Get Dry When It Gets Cold?

Dry skin is typically caused by low-humidity environments. When the air outside is cold and dry, the water in your skin evaporates more quickly, which makes your skin feel dry, tight and flaky.

Also, windy weather can beat down on your skin and make it look and feel dry and chapped. We’ve listed some ways you can protect your skin below.

Natural Ways to Protect Your Skin

• Drink lots of water every day.
• Incorporate more healthy fats into your diet.
• Don’t overwash your skin.
• Get an adequate amount of exercise every week.
• Don’t smoke.

What Should I Do If My Hands Are Cracking Due to Overwashing?

We’re washing our hands a lot these days due to the coronavirus pandemic. While this is definitely a good habit to develop, washing your hands with soap and warm water multiple times every few hours can be rough on your hands.

To combat this, dermatologists suggest carrying your own moisturizing liquid hand soap as the hand soap in public restrooms is often very harsh and drying.

More Ways to Boost Skin Health

• Choose your skin cleanser carefully. Cream-based cleansers will help keep the moisture in while still taking off the day’s dirt and makeup.
• Exfoliate. Not only can exfoliating take off the dry, dead skin cells, but it also helps you regenerate new ones.
• Keep your showers short. Soap and hot water strip your skin of its natural oils, so minimizing the amount you bathe is important.

Skin health is important! If you are having skin problems or other general health issues, don’t hesitate to stop by AFC Urgent Care Athens, TN today.