Take Care STL

Along with cold temperatures, hot cocoa, and falling snow, winter also brings with it dry and itchy skin. According to Michelle Tarbox, assistant professor of dermatology at Saint Louis University, common things like cleansers, coffee, and alcohol can make the problem much worse. Here's some tips from Tarbox on how to make this winter a little better for your skin:

1. Nourish your skin from the outside as well as the inside. Plug in a humidifier while seeping to help replace the moisture lost in the air from heating your home. Be sure to change the filter and use distilled water instead of tap water for the best results.

2. Use a skin-friendly cleanser that will reduce the dryness on your hands. Look for ingredients like essential oils, jojoba oil, and shea butter oil.

3. Go easy on holiday cocktails and coffee drinks. Alcohol and caffeine can dehydrate your skin. Try to drink a glass of water for each alcoholic and caffeinated beverage to avoid dehydration (and hangovers).

4. Look for moisturizers that contain ceramides, which contain fatty acids that protect your skin. Harsh cleansers can strip natural oils from your skin that can cause dehydration. Also stay away from moisturizers that are too watery. Go for creams over lotions. The less water a moisturizer has, the longer it will last.

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