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Have you ever wondered why your skin itches more during the winter months? The humidity in the environment goes down in the winter, which results in irritated, dry skin. And when the temperatures drop and we turn up our central heating, we only further dry our skin. The furnace decreases the moisture in the air by 20-30%. If you add the effects of furnace-heated homes with the cold temps outside, it is no surprise that we suffer winter skin. With these easy tips for treating winter itch, you can save money and yourself from the agony of dry skin.

Winter Skin Tip 1. Start with soap. Be careful of what type of soap you use. A lot of brand-name soaps have lye, which is great for scrubbing your skin clean, but not so good for replacing the moisture that you skin has lost. Look for soaps that have a high content of fatty substances like cold cream, or coconut butter or oil. Your skin won't miss the lye; it will be equally as clean and much softer and healthier.

Winter Skin Tip 2. Hearten humidity. Plug in your humidifier to help neutralize the drying effects of your furnace. Furnaces act as air dryers and leave your skin red, irritated, and flaky. Place the humidifier in an often used place of your home, like the living room or bedroom, and you will feel the beneficial effects. Even leaving the door open while you shower can help replace lost humidity in the air.

Winter Skin Tip 3. No more burning baths. We can't deny the relaxing benefits of a hot bath, but your skin certainly doesn't benefit. If you can't imagine forgoing your bubble baths, turn down the temp a little and try adding ground oatmeal to the water. Oatmeal soothes and exfoliates the skin and helps moisture cling to your skin.

Top tips to prevent dry, sensitive skin

Winter Skin Tip 4. Seize sunscreen. You've heard it before and you'll hear it again. Sunscreen is a fundamental part of your skin's health because of its UV protection. UV rays do penetrate clouds and have the same sun damage whether you are outside on a clear, sunny day or a cloudy, winter day. Sunscreen will protect your skin from the drying effects of the sun and provide additional moisture.

Winter Skin Tip 5. Put down your towel. It is much easier for skin to absorb moisture if it is a little damp, rather than totally dry. Use your towel to remove excess water after a shower and bath and apply a bio antioxidant moisturizer while your skin is still wet.

Winter Skin Tip 6. Leave your lips alone. The skin on your lips is especially sensitive to dryness. Avoid licking your lips. Use a natural lip balm that does not contain alcohol, which will only further dry your lips.