If your skin is feeling unusual dry, chapped, or itchy, you may need to alter your skincare routine. There are several steps you can take in the comfort of your own home to help soothe and heal your skin during the winter months. Consider how you can integrate the following tips into your daily skincare regimen.

1. Don’t stay in the shower too long: Those long steamy showers may feel amazing, but they can dehydrate your skin. The hot water feels great on sore muscles, but be careful because it is also removing the skin’s natural oils. The solution take shorter showers that are less steamy. When you’re finished, pat your skin dry instead of rubbing.
2. Use mild soaps and detergents: Antibacterial and deodorant soaps can strip your skin of essential oils. Certain laundry detergents are specifically formulated to remove dirt and residue. Because of this, they can also irritate sensitive or dry skin. The solution: opt for mild, unscented, or mildly scented soaps and organic laundry detergents.
3. Moisturize, moisturize, moisturize: To keep your skin hydrated this season, you don’t need to invest in expensive brands or trendy products. If you have extra oily skin, try using non-comedogenic products that won’t clog your pores. It can be difficult to remember to moisturize throughout the day so keep some lotion next to your sink and carry a travel size in your bag or purse.
4. Shave correctly: If you have extra sensitive skin, shaving can sometimes leave your skin feeling extra chapped. The solution use shaving cream when you shave, shave in the direction the hair grows and switch out your blades often.
5. Don’t forget the sunscreen (even in the winter): If your skin is left exposed to the sun, you can develop wrinkles, skin cancer, and moles over time. The solution use sunscreen with UVA and UVB protection and an SPF factor of at least 15.
6. Stay Hydrated: Remember to stay hydrated by drinking at least 9 cups of water a day.  Also, don’t skimp on keeping the air in your home or office humid with a humidifier.