"Wow, I just LOVE how dry my skin gets in the winter!" said no one ever. If you're like me and have dry skin (no matter what season it is), you've tried just about anything to alleviate that itch or those dry patches. The products and tips I mention in this blog post can be applied all year-round, but I'd like to share them now so you're ahead of the curve when it finally gets warm.
What Is Eczema?
The National Eczema Association defines eczema as "the name for a group of conditions that cause the skin to become red, itchy, and inflamed." No, you can't catch eczema (major eye roll); it is not contagious.
Eczema has a variety of treatments including over-the-counter remedies, prescription medicines, and more.
Tips to Keep Your Hands (and Skin) Moisturized
Healthy and moisturized skin starts by forming good habits, not by buying expensive products. Things like washing your hands in hot water or even washing your hair with hot water can cause your skin and scalp to dry out very quickly. Here a couple of things I like to keep in mind when it comes to the health of my skin:
Try not to wash your hands with hot water.
Don't shower using hot water.
Wear gloves when you go into the cold (even if it's not that cold, your hands will be exposed to the harsh conditions of outside).
When showering, use a body wash that doesn't have soap (such as Dove Sensitive Skin).
Gentle hand soaps work best. My office uses Purel hand soap, and it dries my hands out like CRAZY.
Moisturize your hands after every time you wash them (I promise this works like a charm. I also moisturize my hands after doing the dishes).
The thicker the lotion, the better.
If you suffer from eczema, use lotions/moisturizers that are accepted by the National Eczema Association.
Hydrocortisone is great for dry skin and eczema. I buy the generic brand from Target or Walgreens.
Turning on a humidifier in winter can replenish the moisture lost from your skin from the dryness outside.
Try using an in-shower body lotion. You apply it after cleansing yourself, rinse yourself off, and then dry off like normal. I've found that using in-shower body lotion keeps me more moisturized than just putting on lotion after my shower.
Exfoliate. I've heard rumors that exfoliating dry skin (your face and body) dries it out even more, but that's not true! Exfoliating at least once a week helps to get rid of the dead skin and flakes. Just be sure to use a moisturizer after exfoliating.
My Favorite Products for Moisturizing My Dry Skin
Gold Bond Ultimate Eczema Relief
Tip: I use this as a hand lotion only. My eczema has been really bad this season, so I always apply it after washing my hands.
Cortizone 10 Intensive Healing Cream
Hint: Apply after showering or washing your hands, and before moisturizing.
Nivea Soft Moisturizing Creme
Tip: Apply multiple times a day for soft hands!
Nivea Essentially Enriched Body Lotion
Nivea In-Shower Nourishing Body Lotion
Tip: When it's really cold and dry outside, use this in the shower! My skin stays moisturized throughout the day, so I don't even have to apply regular body lotion.
Dove Sensitive Skin Body Wash/Beauty Bar
Fun Fact: I've been using this since college, and I'll never switch to another brand. Even with my eczema, Dove doesn't irritate my skin.
Dermalogica Precleanse Balm and UltraCalming Cleanser
Tip: I've been using these two face products for over a year now, and these are the only facial cleansers that I believe truly clean my face, remove dirt, and keep my skin soft and moisturized (and not dry right after). These are great for people with sensitive skin.
No7 Beautiful Skin Day Cream for Dry/Very Dry
Fun Fact: I've been using No7 products for a few years now, and although I no longer use the cleansing balm, I still love this moisturizer. I apply this product more heavily on my forehead, since that's the driest part of my face, and a regular amount on the rest of my face and neck. I'm probably going to pick up the Night Cream, since I use the Day Cream at night, too.
Mario Badescu Hyaluronic Eye Cream
If you suffer from dryness under your eyes, BUY THIS SH*T! According to the packaging, it helps get rid of fine lines and wrinkles, but I use it for my dark circles and dryness.
Tip: I apply two dots of the cream on each of my eyelids to keep them moisturized, too.
What products do you use to keep your skin moisturized during the winter?
