Winter has a lot of pluses: cozy sweaters, warm boots, snow covered trees, warm fires, and more. With the cold weather and dry air, most of us have some problems with our skin during the winter months. The most annoying of these problems? Winter itch. If you are finding yourself annoyed by itchy winter skin, resist the temptation to scratch and instead make these simple changes to conquer the winter itch and improve the health of your skin.

Go for an Oil-Based Moisturizer

Unless your skin is already oily, an oil-based moisturizer is a must-have every winter. Heavier than your typical moisturizer, this will help lock moisture into your skin. After just a few uses, you should notice quite the difference in your skin, both in terms of the itch being gone and your usual glow returning.

Moisturize the Air

Why is your skin so dry in the winter? Because the air is dry. One thing you can do to combat winter itch, then, is to moisturize the air. Purchase a good humidifier to do the job. If you are looking to improve the air quality in your entire home, you can have a humidifier installed on your HVAC system. Just keep in mind that humidifiers do require care to prevent the growth and spread of mold.

Don’t Go Too Hot in the Shower

When it is cold outside, it is so tempting to warm up with a steaming hot shower or bath. However, hot water strips the natural oils from your skin. No, you don’t need to take a cold shower, but tone down the heat a bit to protect your skin. As an added benefit, the shock of the cold when you step out of the shower won’t be so significant.

Pay Special Attention to Hands, Feet, and Lips

As noted above, you should moisturize at least twice a day. But when it comes to your hands, feet, and lips, extra care is needed. Moisturize your hands every time you wash them and invest in a moisturizing soap. For your feet, apply heavy moisturizer and then cover with socks at least once a day—before bed is a good time. Finally, keep chapstick on hand at all times to keep your lips soft and moisturized.

Use Cold Cream to Remove Makeup

If you usually use makeup removing cloths, switch to cold cream for the season. Those cloths tend to have alcohol in them and can be very drying to the skin. Cold cream removes makeup while moisturizing the skin, which is ideal for wintertime.

Drink Lots of Water

Make sure you are drinking plenty of water. Increasing your water intake is like moisturizing your skin from the inside out. 8 glasses a day is the standard, so work to meet it.

Use Gentle Soaps

Finally, gentle, fragrance-free soaps will make a big difference in the condition of your skin. Moisturizing options will give you the best results. Don’t spend a fortune on these; you will find plenty of options at your usual store.

Keep these tips in mind and your skin will be looking and feeling great all winter long.

Do you have any tips to share with us? What habits will you need to change this winter?