How to Prevent Dry, Cracked Skin This Fall and Winter

Fall is a great time to explore the great outdoors. You can explore the beautiful fall foliage and camp without worrying about sweating through your sleeping bag. With the weather change, though, comes some drawbacks, like the dry air that can lead to dry, cracked skin. 

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I loved to play outdoors as a child, and I also had horrible eczema. While I loved the cooler seasons, my skin—especially the skin on my hands—did not. These years of cracked, dry, and at times even bloody skin have made me kind of an expert on how to protect yourself from the dry air this fall and winter. Here are some tips.

Consult a dermatologist before adding these items to your skincare routine.

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Face

When you’re outdoors in the cold, the majority of your body is usually covered, except your face. The skin on your face is some of the most delicate on your body. When it’s really cold, many people opt for a face covering or balaclava to keep their face protected from the elements. You should also consider using sunblock to help prevent sunburn.

When you come in after a day outdoors, pamper your skin to prevent discomfort and dry skin. Pick up a high-quality face lotion that will help keep your skin hydrated no matter what you put your skin through. Make sure you also have a jar of Vaseline to put on any dry skin patches, and you can also try “slugging,” a South Korean tradition of covering your face in a layer of Vaseline before bed. You’ll also want to make sure to apply lip balm at the end of the day. 

Hands and Body

It might not be cold enough to walk around in gloves yet, but you might consider starting early, if you tend to suffer from dry skin. If you find yourself reaching for the hand sanitizer frequently, beware. It can really dry out your hands and leave you feeling uncomfortable. Never fear though, Dove created a hand sanitizer infused with shea butter to keep your hands clean and comfortable all fall long.
After an outdoor adventure, make sure you moisturize your entire body. This moisturizer from Gold Bond has aloe in it, which will help soothe any cracks and dry patches. You can also try Corn Huskers Lotion, which is made to nourish your dry skin after a long day of hard work—or, in this case, play.

Source: https://outdoors.com/how-to-prevent-dry-cracked-skin-this-fall/