Your Skin Survival Guide for Winter

Winter skin creating an itch you can't scratch or alligator scales across your arms? It's no surprise that when cold weather rolls into town, so does dry skin. Prevent the uncomfortable condition by lathering up, hydrating and following these easy tips for soft, supple skin during these frigid months.

1. Soak in the Moisture. A big reason why your skin tends to flake, dry and crack during the cold winter months is because the air is less humid. The key to keeping your skin soft is to use a thick, daily moisturizer and one that is preferably oil-based rather than water-based. Oil-based lotions and creams tend to lock in the moisture better because they create a protective layer on the skin.

2. Hook Up a Humidifier. Keeping the air moist in your bedroom can give your skin a better chance of breathing and less of a likelihood of drying out. If you're spending time in the kitchen, boil water in a pot to moisten the air—just don't forget to keep an eye on it.

3. Keep Your Hands and Feet Dry. We've all trudged through and played in the snow and managed to get our gloves and socks wet. Make sure to get dry as quickly as possible, however. Moist gloves and socks can irritate your skin and lead to cracking, itching, sores and even flare-ups of eczema.

4. Say "No" To Hot Showers and Baths. Hot water is one of the worst offenders when it comes to drying out your skin. While it might feel good at the time, you could be regretting that soak a few hours later. Try warm or lukewarm baths with colloidal oatmeal to soothe itchy, dried-out skin.

5. Give Your Hands Some Breathing Room. While relatively thick in other places, the skin on your hands is much thinner and more susceptible to cracking in the winter. Moisturize them often and slip on the cotton gloves before you go outside. Cotton breathes easier than other non-natural fabrics or heavy ones like wool so your skin is less likely to become irritated.

6. Pat Dry and Break Out the Lotion. Rather than rubbing yourself dry with your towel after you get out of the shower, pat your skin dry. You’ll keep more of the moisture on your body and keep skin irritation at bay. Stash a towel in the crack of the door during your shower to prevent dry air from coming in and then lather up after you get out with your favorite moisturizing lotion to give your skin a replenishing drink.

Source: WebMD.com

Watch for the new IsaDermix™ line of skincare products to launch in January, which will include more moisture-rich ingredients to keep your skin soft and smooth yearlong.

Try it early by ordering the Holiday Duet, which includes two new IsaDermix™ products — Refreshing Body Wash and Revitalizing Body Polish. The body wash cleanses your skin while protecting its natural moisture barrier. The polish exfoliates dry skin to reveal a smoother, brighter and more youthful look. Visit your Back Office "Orders" section and click on "Promotional Items" today to order your Holiday Duet.