How to Keep Skin Smooth and Soft in the Harsh Autumn & Winter Weather   

Do you find yourself reaching for the hand lotion more than usual lately? It could be because the cooler temperatures and harsh winds of autumn are drying your skin more than normal. This could lead to itchy, rough hands, arms, and legs, especially if you live in an area where you are exposed to severe seasonal elements. There are a number of ways to relieve dry skin, but to find the right solution, you must first recognize what is causing it.

Reasons for Dry Skin

There are many reasons your skin may be dry and flaky in the fall, ranging from taking long, hot showers and baths to running the furnace in your home or office. Women who are on the go during the day, constantly going indoors and out, will find their skin drying out even more quickly than those who stay indoors. The same goes for ladies who wash their hands frequently while at work or at home. The warm water and harsh soaps remove many of the precious oils naturally found in your skin. Other reasons include:

• Sitting by a roaring fire: The heat from the flames can toast your skin.
• Hot drinks: Drinking coffee, hot chocolate, or even a hot toddy on cold days can dry your skin from the inside out. Drinks with caffeine or alcohol also have a dehydrating effect on your body.
• Heavy clothing: Thick fabrics such as wool can irritate your skin, leaving it itchy and dry. It’s best to select clothing made from cotton or silk, because these materials are gentler to your skin. If you must wear wool, layer it over a cotton shirt.
• The sun: UV rays are just as dangerous in the colder seasons as they are in the summer. It doesn’t matter what the temperature is outdoors; any exposed skin should be covered with a sunscreen that has an SPF of 30 or higher.

Now that you have identified some of the reasons your skin is so dry, there are several remedies you can try, from do-it-yourself masks to seeking the help of a doctor.

Home Remedies for Smooth Skin

There are plenty of products you can use and ways to keep your skin feeling soft and smooth during the cooler months. Check Amway’s beauty and skin care blog for ideas, and give one or more of the following home remedies a try:

• Avocado: Mix the mashed pulp of an avocado with a half cup of honey. Apply to dry skin, then rinse off after 15 minutes. This treatment can also be used as a hydrating face mask once or twice a week.
• Oatmeal: To relieve dry skin from head to toe, pour one cup of plain oatmeal into a warm bath. Add a few drops of lavender essential oil and soak for 15-30 minutes. Enjoy once a week.
• Olive oil: This type of oil contains healthy fatty acids and antioxidants, which are good for your skin. You can dab some on your face under your regular moisturizer, and rub it on your dry skin about a half hour before a shower. Apply a light moisturizer afterward.

Foods That Make Your Skin Soft

You can moisturize your skin from inside out by adding certain foods to your diet. These include:

• Fish: Salmon, tuna, trout, and herring contain high levels of omega-3 fatty acids, which help strengthen your skin’s barrier and retain moisture.
• Nuts: Rich in vitamin E, nuts are an easy dry skin remedy because they protect the skin from oxidative cell damage and damage from  UV rays.
• Sweet potatoes: These root vegetables contain beta carotene and vitamin A, which are important for preventing dry skin and premature aging.

Moisturizing Skin Care Routines

Your skin-care routine can play an important part in keeping your skin moisturized and smooth. To help heal dry skin and keep it smooth year round, consider doing the following:

• Take short baths and showers.
• Apply moisturizer to damp skin after washing.
• Use unscented and gentle products.
• Use lip balm.
• Add moisture to the air with a humidifier.

If your skin doesn’t start to feel better, or if your condition worsens, it may be the sign of a more severe condition. Consider seeing a dermatologist. Extremely dry skin may require a special ointment or cream.

While there isn’t much we can do about the weather, we can do something to ensure our skin stays soft and supple regardless of the seasons.