How to Prevent Cracked and Dry Skin in the Winter

Where summer skin protection may involve using a water based moisturizer, winter protection requires a more aggressive approach. The idea here is to deliver plenty of moisture to the skin and include a secondary ingredient that will keep that moisture from evaporating. Moisturizing products for winter use employ two basic types of ingredients: humectants and emollients.

Humectants collect moisture it like microscopic reservoirs for your skin to draw on as it needs it. They can also pull moisture right out of the air. Emollients are oily substances like lanolin that create a barrier to keep moisture from evaporating. Together they're like a control system that attracts and locks moisture on the epidermis. Think of it as the skin's version of a water filled bottle. The humectants snag the water, and the emollients keep the water from going anywhere but into the skin.

Look for these two types of ingredients when you shop for winter skin care products. It's a good idea to get into the habit of perusing ingredient lists. They'll help you understand what you're really buying. Skin care ingredients are typically listed in descending order based on their predominance by weight or volume. That means the first items on the list are the most abundant in the product.

Look for hydrating skin care products for winter use that contain significant concentrations of humectants with ingredient names like:

Check labels for emollient ingredients like:

Emollients are typically oil based products. That's a good thing, especially for winter use. If you already have oily or problem skin, you may need to experiment with different products to find one that works for you. Look for non-comedogenic moisturizing ingredients like jojoba seed oil that are less likely to clog pores and cause inflammation and blemishes.

Even though there are effective moisturizing ingredients on the market to protect dry skin in winter, the best protection comes from your skin's acid mantle. It keeps dirt and bacteria under control and acts as its own naturally pH balanced emollient. Remember, a slightly more acidic pH kills bacteria before it has a chance to cause problems. Although this natural barrier is powerful, it's also delicate. Harsh soaps can strip it away, leaving your skin more vulnerable to dry winter conditions. For clean, clear, moist and healthy winter skin, choose gentle soaps and other cleaning products that leave your skin's natural defense system intact.

Avoid soaps that contain strong perfumes, detergents, antibacterial ingredients and deodorants. They strip the skin's acid mantle and can be drying in their own right. Instead of relying on soap for deodorant protection or fragrance, invest in a separate deodorant and cologne you can apply to specific, small areas on the body instead of large areas of skin.

If you want to relieve dryness on your hands, feet or other specific locations, moisturize and then apply a heavy-duty emollient like petroleum jelly or lanolin. Cover the area with a wrap, glove or sock, and let the extra moisture work its way into the skin for a few hours or overnight. Repeat the process as needed to reduce flaking, peeling and cracking.