Yes it’s true. I kind of hate winter, What? It’s not like I hate Christmas, or the snow (much) or the jolly laughter of little children playing in the snow, I just hate freezing. Actually, I hate the cold waging it’s yearly war on my sexy skin, by drying it out and thus causing flaking (eww) and The Itch. Surely you’re familiar with the itch? You know, that incessant itch that manifests only after you’ve already showered, put on mounds and mounds of clothes and are finally ready to leave the house? Yeah, that one. There’s no way to scratch it through five layers of clothing, short of taking it all off. And that is so irritating! So how do you eliminate the itch? By eliminating it’s opportunity to dry you out. Here are 5 simple rules to keep you hydrated, happy and hopefully itch-free.
Rule #1
Never, ever, EVER leave after a shower without exfoliating & moisturizing.
I can’t believe how many women I’ve talked to who complain about winter itch but don’t exfoliate. Exfoliating gets rid of dead skin, which by the way does contribute to the itch, and preps your skin for proper cleansing and moisturizing. If you don’t want to spring for a fancy exfoliating product, try mixing 2 table spoons of sea salt into your regular body wash for an exfoliating boost and smooth skin. Which brings me to my next point, you must moisturize! No excuses, this is kind of a big deal. Supple, soft, skin is impossible without a moisturizer. And I’m not talking about a run-of-the-mill body lotion designed to make you smell nice, you need a clinical caliber moisturizer like Vaseline Intensive Rescue Clinical Therapy Skin Protectant Body Lotion
. Something designed for dry skin, and made to hold up against Old Man Winter when he comes a-knockin’. Body oils are also a good choice, in moderation.
Rule #2
Go easy on the multiple showers.
Don’t look at me like that, 4 showers a day during the winter season is just plain ridiculous and you know it! Repeated water exposure in the same 24 hour period will begin to strip your skin of much needed moisture. Unless you are a moisturizing machine, there’s no way you can shower more than twice a day and not be dried out. So if you’re not covered in grime and have already had a shower or two today, let your body be until say… tomorrow?
Rule #3
Drink lots and lots of water. This should go without saying, ladies! The itch can be brought on by dehydration of the body as well as the skin, so cover all of your bases and drink plenty of water. Water is an integral part of having a healthy body and your skin will definitely benefit from internal as well as external hydration. Oh and vitamin water doesn’t count.
Rule #4
Use a mild cleanser in the winter. You can still get clean without stripping every ounce of moisture from you skin. Sexy skin is healthy skin, and healthy skin is well hydrated. Go for cleansers that can hydrate your skin and still keep you squeaky clean.
Rule #5
Do an overnight treatment with a rich moisturizer like Yes To Carrots Night Moisturizing Cream if you need it.
I know that wearing socks or gloves to bed aren’t visually stimulating to your man, but have you ever seen super dry and cracked hands and feet? So not sexy. The truth is that those dorky glove and sock treatments may save your skin and they will definitely enhance skin softness. Slip on a pair of socks after applying a moisture-rich overnight lotion to your feet. Ditto for your hands, you better half will be pleased with the results…after a little harmless teasing.
So there you have it, 5 simple rules that will have you focusing on the fun parts of the winter season, instead of the incessant itch under your peacoat.
