13 New Year Body Care Habits That Stop Winter Itch
As winter settles in, the colder air can take a toll on your skin, leaving it dry, itchy, and uncomfortable. The change in temperature, combined with indoor heating, often strips away the moisture your skin needs to stay healthy. Luckily, there are simple body care habits you can adopt to stop the winter itch before it even starts. By focusing on hydration and protective skincare routines, you can keep your skin feeling soft and nourished all season long. From moisturizing techniques to incorporating soothing ingredients, there are plenty of ways to keep your skin comfortable.
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Moisturizing Body Wash
A key body care habit to prevent winter itch is using a moisturizing body wash. During colder months, skin tends to dry out, leading to irritation and itchiness. Opting for a body wash that is gentle and hydrating can help maintain moisture levels while cleansing. Look for a formula with ingredients like shea butter or glycerin, which provide long-lasting hydration. These washes help to replenish the skin’s natural oils without stripping them away.
After using a moisturizing body wash, the skin feels soft and supple, reducing dryness and discomfort. Be sure to choose a fragrance-free option if you have sensitive skin to avoid additional irritation. Many body washes are enriched with vitamins and oils to help soothe the skin while preventing flakes. A good product to try is the Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Body Wash priced at $6 for 18 fl oz.
Regular Exfoliation
Exfoliating is essential to remove dead skin cells that can trap moisture and lead to dry patches. Using a mild exfoliating scrub once a week helps prevent the buildup of dry skin that can cause itching. Look for exfoliants with gentle ingredients like sugar or oats to avoid further irritating your skin.
Over-exfoliating can worsen dryness, so limit the frequency to ensure your skin doesn’t become too sensitive. Additionally, exfoliating prepares the skin for better absorption of moisturizers, making them more effective. You can also use a loofah or body brush to gently exfoliate without any harsh chemicals. A great product for this is St. Ives Soft Skin Apricot Scrub priced at $4 for 10 oz.
Soothing Oatmeal Baths
Taking an oatmeal bath is a time-tested remedy for relieving itching and inflammation caused by dry skin. Oatmeal contains compounds called avenanthramides, which help calm irritated skin and provide immediate relief. This type of bath works by creating a barrier on the skin, locking in moisture and preventing further dryness.
Simply adding a cup of colloidal oatmeal to your bathwater can ease the discomfort associated with winter itch. The soothing properties of oatmeal are gentle enough for sensitive skin, making it a popular choice for many. If you’re short on time, oatmeal bath products are available for convenience. Aveeno Soothing Bath Treatment is a great choice at $8 for a 5-pack.
Hydrating Face Mask
While many focus on body care, face care is just as important during the winter months. A hydrating face mask can help replenish moisture, preventing the itchiness that comes from dryness. Look for masks with ingredients like hyaluronic acid, honey, or aloe vera, which hydrate and soothe skin.
Applying a face mask once a week helps to give your skin the extra care it needs in harsh conditions. Make sure to choose a mask that is suitable for your skin type to avoid irritation. This extra boost of moisture helps create a protective layer against the elements. A recommended product is Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hydrating Face Mask, priced at $3 for one mask.
Deep Conditioning Body Butter
Switching to a rich body butter instead of a regular lotion can help manage winter dryness. Body butters are thicker and more emollient, offering deep hydration to keep your skin soft throughout the day. Look for products that contain shea butter or cocoa butter, both of which are known for their nourishing properties.
Massaging body butter into your skin after a bath or shower helps lock in moisture. Choose a formula that absorbs well without leaving a greasy residue. Body butters are great for areas that are prone to extra dryness, such as elbows, knees, and feet. A highly recommended option is The Body Shop Shea Body Butter, priced at $21 for 6.75 oz.
Aloe Vera Gel
Aloe vera is a well-known plant extract that provides instant relief for dry and irritated skin. It is naturally soothing and can help reduce the inflammation and redness associated with winter itch. Aloe vera gel can be applied directly to the skin or used as part of your regular skincare routine.
It works best when stored in the refrigerator, as the cool sensation helps calm the skin further. Aloe vera has both moisturizing and healing properties, making it ideal for those with sensitive or damaged skin. If you prefer a natural product, Seven Minerals Aloe Vera Gel is a great choice, priced at $13 for 12 oz.
Sunscreen for Winter
Sunscreen is essential in every season, and winter is no exception. Sun exposure during winter can still lead to sunburn and skin damage, especially on days with snow. Sunscreen protects the skin’s barrier, preventing it from drying out and reducing the risk of winter itch. Look for a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher and choose a formula designed for dry skin.
Applying sunscreen on exposed skin daily can help keep your skin hydrated while also shielding it from harmful UV rays. Don’t forget to apply sunscreen to your face, hands, and any other exposed areas, even when it’s cold outside. Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunscreen is a solid option, priced at $8 for 3 oz.
Avoiding Hot Showers
Although a hot shower may feel comforting in cold weather, it can strip the skin of its natural oils, making it more prone to dryness and itching. Opting for lukewarm water when showering helps maintain the skin’s moisture levels and prevents irritation. Keeping showers short and avoiding long exposure to hot water can make a big difference in managing winter itch.
After your shower, it’s important to apply moisturizer immediately to lock in hydration. Hot water can also trigger flare-ups for those with sensitive skin, such as eczema. For soothing relief, consider using a gentle, hydrating body wash that is formulated for sensitive skin. Eucerin Skin Calming Body Wash is an excellent option, priced at $8 for 16.9 fl oz.
Using a Body Oil
Switching to body oils during the winter months can provide deeper hydration compared to traditional lotions. Body oils are formulated to lock in moisture and prevent water loss from the skin, keeping it soft and smooth. They are particularly beneficial for areas like the legs, arms, and hands, which often become extra dry in winter.
A good oil should be lightweight and absorb quickly without leaving a greasy residue. Oils infused with natural ingredients like jojoba or argan oil are great options. These oils provide a natural, soothing solution to dryness and itchy skin. Neutrogena Body Oil is a great choice, priced at $8 for 16 fl oz.
Glycerin-Based Moisturizers
Glycerin is a powerful ingredient in moisturizing products due to its ability to attract moisture to the skin. Using a glycerin-based moisturizer helps keep the skin hydrated longer, making it less likely to become dry and itchy. Glycerin is also beneficial for maintaining the skin’s natural moisture barrier, which is often weakened in winter.
It works well on both the face and body, providing relief for even the driest skin areas. Look for products that contain at least 10% glycerin to experience the full benefits. Vaseline Intensive Care Advanced Repair Lotion is a popular glycerin-rich option, priced at $6 for 20.3 fl oz.
Hydrating Lip Balm
Winter weather can cause dry, cracked lips, which can become painful and uncomfortable. A good lip balm provides immediate relief and helps to prevent moisture loss. Look for lip balms that contain nourishing ingredients like shea butter, coconut oil, or beeswax. These ingredients are known for their ability to hydrate and protect the lips.
Applying lip balm frequently throughout the day, especially before heading outdoors, keeps your lips soft and smooth. Many people find it beneficial to apply a thick layer of balm overnight to keep lips hydrated while they sleep. Burt’s Bees Beeswax Lip Balm is a great choice, priced at $4 for 4-pack.
Layering Moisturizer
Layering your moisturizer is a simple yet effective way to protect your skin from the drying effects of winter. Start by applying a lightweight, hydrating serum to lock in moisture, followed by a heavier cream to seal everything in. This method ensures that your skin is consistently moisturized and protected throughout the day.
Using a multi-step moisturizing routine is particularly beneficial for areas prone to extra dryness, like elbows, knees, and feet. Apply your moisturizers when your skin is still slightly damp from a shower for better absorption. Clinique Moisture Surge 72-Hour Auto-Replenishing Hydrator is a great product for layering, priced at $42 for 1.7 oz.
Overnight Hydration Mask
Overnight masks are a great way to provide intense hydration while you sleep. These masks are designed to be left on the skin overnight, allowing their active ingredients to deeply penetrate the skin and provide long-lasting moisture. They help replenish lost hydration, making skin look fresh and plump by morning.
Many overnight masks contain calming ingredients such as chamomile or honey, which soothe the skin and prevent irritation. They also lock in moisture to prevent the skin from drying out during the night. Laneige Water Sleeping Mask is a highly-rated product, priced at $25 for 2.3 oz.
This article originally appeared on Avocadu.