The winter season is always a cause for concern especially among women because the harsh cold winds can irritate and damage the skin. But the summer can just be as destructive. Thankfully, you can do your part in ensuring your skin remains healthy and supple, no matter what the season may be.

1. Don’t take hot baths

Obviously, when it’s very cold, nothing can be more inviting that a long hot bubble bath right? But you should avoid the temptation because these things can lead to dry skin. The high temperature will strip your body of its natural oils. As much as possible, don’t use hot water and then pat-dry your body immediately after your bath so that the water is retained in your skin.

2. Use skin creams in lieu of lotion

Thick creams are great emollients and they can make a difference in your skin. Try those body butter creams which are made of organic ingredients and avoid those with lots of strong scents.

3. Get rehydrated

Earlier we talked about not taking long hot baths. The truth is, spending time in the bath tub is great for your skin, as long as you use warm or cold water – if you can help it. Stay in the tub until your fingertips are wrinkled because your skin has an excellent ability to hold water. By soaking in water, you help your skin become rehydrated.

4. Use products containing lipids and stearic acid

To encourage hydration for the skin, use skin products containing lipids such as ceramides and glyco lipids. You should also find products containing animal fat (stearic acid) to prevent moisture loss.

5. Avoid using soap

Soap may be great for keeping you clean but they also cause drying of the skin. When washing your face, use a liquid non-soap product. It’s also recommended to choose cleansers that contain botanicals like chamomile and lavender. They soothe chapped or extremely dry skin.

Choosing the Best Moisturizer

One of the best treatment for dry skin is a good moisturizer. It also helps prevent wrinkles and fine lines. Many people know the benefits of moisturizers which is why you can find hundreds of these products in local drug stores and department stores. So, with the tons of options available, choosing can be a bit confusing. How do you choose the best moisturizer for you? Here are some guidelines that you can follow:

First of all, you need to do some trial and error. You’re not likely to find the best product on your first try so be willing to invest a little bit of money so you can experiment with different products. It’s going to be worth it, believe me.

Take note of the main ingredients. The best ingredients are glycerin, petrolatum, and lanolin. Make sure to pick products made by reputable cosmetic companies. Choose a product that has added sunscreen because the sun’s rays are harmful for the skin. You should choose a moisturizer with at least an SPF 30.

You should also know the type of skin you have. Some people have sensitive skin, others have dry skin, there are those with oily skin while some have normal skin. So know your skin type and choose a moisturizer that’s designed for your type of skin.

It’s also recommended that you pick a moisturizer that is non-comedogenic to ensure that it doesn’t clog your pores. Finally, consider using a moisturizing product that contains retinol at bedtime. Retinol contains vitamin A which is important for the skin and helps eliminate dry and dead skin cells and leaves you with healthier, more supple skin.

You can apply moisturizer daily. In fact, it’s recommended that you use it twice a day. First, use it in the morning immediately after your shower so that the skin is still hydrated. Then after arriving home from work, cleanse your skin and apply moisturizer before going to bed.

Skin moisturizers don’t really eliminate wrinkles but they can reduce their appearance on your face. The more important function of a moisturizer is to keep the skin plump, hydrated and healthy so that you will have good looking skin even as you age.