How to Avoid Dry Skin as the Weather Gets Cooler and Other Helpful Hints

I have spent all month talking about how excited I am for cooler weather. About how amazing this time of year is for me, with all of the cozy nights in and comfy fall fashion. I’m here for it. But one thing that cooler weather brings that I’m not here for is dry skin. Despite how much I try to avoid dry skin, it always seems to creep up on me.

It is so easy for the skin to dry out. It has been something I have had to deal with my whole life on both my hands and my face. During the fall and winter months, it seems like my hands turn into leather, they get so dry and rough. So if there is anything I can do to avoid dry skin, I do it.

And I have tried everything. The amount of half-used moisturizers I have under my bathroom counter is insane. With all my efforts, I have found some steps I can take to help myself out when Autumn rolls around.

However, with skincare, it is so personal figuring out what will help and hurt your skin. So take everything I say in this post with a grain of salt. Something that may work for me might not work for you.

I am also not a dermatologist, so this is simply what I do to avoid dry skin and to treat it when I have it. Always know what is best for your body, and if you have any questions or concerns, talk to your doctor first. I’m just a gal on the internet.

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. I make a commission from these links, with no impact on your purchase.

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How to Avoid Dry Skin

The best way to treat dry skin is to never have it in the first place. Although you cannot control the weather, there are some things you can do that will make your skin more prepared for the colder months. You should start this preparation before it ever gets cold, during the summer months when the weather is humid, and there is a lot of moisture in the air.

Of course, I am one to talk considering I am currently writing this post with two layers of lotion on as I try to rehydrate my hands. So I’ll be taking these steps now, in the fall time, so my skin doesn’t get worse during the winter months.

1. Hydrate!
   • Your skin is dry during the colder months because their is less moisture in the air. Your body needs water in order to hydrate all of your organs inclduing your largest one, the skin.
   • Make sure you are getting enough water throughout the day. It is good for your skin along with other aspects of your physical and mental health.
2. Wear Gloves
   • Sometimes you need to protect your skin from the weather outside, and gloves are a fantastic way to do that, especially as the weather gets to freezing point during the winter.
   • Some leather gloves will lock in whatever poisture you have in your hands, and protect you from dry skin.
3. Don’t use Foam Soap
   • As much as I love foam soap (it’s so fun) it definitely has an impact on my hands. And because of the pandemic, and germs in general, it is good to wash your hands frequently.
   • So, use something better for your skin, like a creamy soap. Softsoap has a moisturizing soap with aloe vera that is fantastic and not too expensive. You can buy it from Amazon here.
4. Wash your Face with the Right Soap
   • The same goes for your face, not all soaps are created equally. Don’t use soaps with citrus oils or alcohol, both of which will dry out your skin. Instead use ones with moisturizers built in.
   • Using the proper soap eliminates at least one thing from sucking moisture from your skin.
   • CereVe makes a hydrating facial cleanser which works wonders. They also make lotions that you can use along with their cleansers. You can check out the face wash on Amazon by clicking here.
5. Don’t Wash Your Face in Hot Water
   • I get it, I also take really hot showers and it is so easy to just wash my face in the warm water. However, that is the worst time to wash your face as the hot water dries out your skin.
   • I’m sure this is true for your whole body as well but I could never take a shower that was anything less than boiling.

How to Treat Dry Skin

So, like me, your hands are already dry and you are looking for something you can do to make it better. I understand. First, continue doing everything I stated above. All of that will help you avoid making it worse. But also, here are some things I do to try and rid myself of any dry patches I find on my skin.

1. Use a Scrub (not on face)
   • This is only for very mild dryness! Not to be used on extremely dry skin as it will irritate the area and make it worse. Also, skin on the face is usually too sensitive to scrubs, and so using one can irritate the area.
   • I love to use a very light scrub on my newley dry skin. It gets rid of all the dead skin and makes room for the moisturizer I am about to put on.
2. Use a Good Moisturizer
   • As much as I love some Bath & Body Works scented lotion, I do not use that when I am dealing with my dry skin. I use good thick shea butter and cocoa butter creams that cover my skin in a thick layer on moisture.
   • It may not be as fun but it helps a lot more.
3. Moisturize at the Right Time
   • You should be using your lotion or cream as often as possible, which is why I always have one in my purse, next to my bed, in my bathroom, and in my car.
   • But, the best time to put on moisturizer is right after you have washed your skin. As soon as you pat dry, and your skin is a little damp, put on your favorite cream. It will lock in that moisture fast, helping with any dryness you are experiencing.

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Dry skin can be so frustrating but it is so common. You can ask around, and you will find that most people have experienced dry skin. You are not alone.

The best way to treat your skin is to avoid dry skin altogether. Take steps before your skin shows any dryness, and you will thank yourself later.

With the huge trend towards skincare that is happening right now on social media, there are so many resources and products to help you out. I am at the very beginning of learning about this stuff, but keeping every part of myself healthy and happy is super important to me.

Keeping my skin healthy is also super important for my self-confidence. It all ties back to mental health!

Thanks for reading, and let me know in the comments below if you have any skincare tips to avoid dry skin!