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Do you suffer from dry, itchy skin? If so, welcome to the club. According to some figures, 20% of the population suffers from dry skin. There are many reasons, including low humidity, central heating, effects of UVA radiation, photodamage, cold temperatures and scalding hot showers and baths. The number one cause of dry, winter skin is the drop in humidity levels in the air. Depending on where you live, there may be 75% less humidity in the air during the winter months. This difference in air moisture carries over when you go inside. The air inside is equally dry. For this reason, it is important to take the steps necessary to protect your skin from the harsh effects of the winter air. Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to keep your skin healthy and glowing when the temperatures drop.

Winter Skin Tip 1

Bypass baths. A hot bubble bath can be tempting, but it can also drain your skin of valuable moisture. If you aren't willing to give up your steamy bath, lower the temperature and add oatmeal to the water. Oatmeal is soothing to the skin and helps bind moisture to the skin as it exfoliates.

Winter Skin Tip 2.

We don't deny the benefits of a relaxing bath on a cold winter's night. Now that you know to turn down the temperature a bit, make your bath even more therapeutic with this natural mix. Just mix a couple cups of powdered milk with almond, lavender, or peppermint oil and a drop or two of your favorite perfume. Then lie back and relax while the milk and essential oils treat your dry, sensitive skin. After your bath, apply a skin moisturizer to your skin.

Winter Skin Tip 3.

Here's another reason for putting out your cigarette once and for all. Here it comes. Smoking has various harmful effects on the skin and dryness is one of them. Nicotine makes blood vessels smaller, consequently making them more difficult to retain water. The drying effects of nicotine also lead to wrinkles and leathery looking skin. Your skin will thank you for quitting the habit.

Taking care of dry, sensitive skin in winter

Winter Skin Tip 4.

Reduce the temperature. Of course, we can't control Mother Nature. Turn your attention to the temperature in your home. Artificially heated air is dry and harmful to your skin. This statistic may give you an idea of the drying effects of furnace-heated air. The average humidity level in the Sahara Desert is about 25%. Some homes get as low as 10% humidity level during the winter months. The less you crank up the heat, the more you hydrate your skin.

Winter Skin Tip 5.

Use moisturizer! People often underestimate how much moisturizer is necessary to treat dry, winter skin. A good natural skin care product is an indispensable tool in your arsenal against dry skin. Try to apply a skin moisturizer 3 or 4 times a day. Get in the habit of applying moisturizer in the morning and at night, as well as any time in between that your skin feels irritated. Ensure super hydrated skin by always applying moisturizer after a bath or shower.

Winter Skin Tip 6.

Moisturize with sunscreen. Nothing new here. Keeping your skin healthy and moisturized depends on sunscreen. UV rays penetrate clouds and glass and are just as harmful on cloudy days as on sunny days. Count on sunscreen for UV protection and skin cancer prevention.