56% of Canadian women suffer from sensitive skin, with 26% of them having had a reaction to cosmetic products. Combine these factors with cold Canadian winters, and it's no wonder that people with sensitive skin suffer unbearably this time of the year. Below zero temperatures, indoor heating, and wind can lead to dry itchy skin, a condition also known as "winter itch."
Here are some tips to prevent Winter Itch:
Wash with warm water (not hot) and use mild soaps. Hot water and harsh soaps can remove natural oils from the skin.
Sprinkle colloidal oatmeal or add a plant oil (sweet almond oil) to your bath water. Oatmeal soothes dry skin and helps retain moisture on the skin. Plant oils coat your skin as you bathe and lock the moisture in.
After washing, gently pat skin (don’t rub dry). Moisturize while skin is still slightly damp to trap moisture in.
Exfoliate regularly to allow a moisturizer to penetrate through the layer of dead skin cells. Use moisturizers high in natural emollients specifically formulated for dry skin. For even more intense moisture, use plant oils on the body.
Protect your skin from cold windy conditions. Apply a rich face cream and a long-lasting natural lip balm before going outside.
Maintain a comfortable level of humidity in your home. Indoor heating dries out the air.
Drink plenty of water and clear fluids. The body needs water to keep going and if it doesn’t have enough it will draw from your skin’s water reservoir.
Don't let winter get the best of your skin. Following these tips will leave skin comfortable and ready for anything winter throws its way.
W.L at Pretty Organic Cosmetics
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