Winter is the season of dry, cracked and itchy skin. With the cold weather, harsh winds and low humidity, our skin loses moisture and becomes dry and flaky.

Lack of moisture can lead to various skin problems such as wrinkles, fine lines, and premature aging. To keep your skin healthy and hydrated during winters, here are some tips to prevent dry skin.

1. Avoid hot showers

Hot water can strip your skin of its natural oils and leave it dry and dehydrated. Instead, take short showers using lukewarm water. Avoid hot showers and baths as it can cause skin irritation and dryness.

2. Use a mild soap

Harsh soaps and body washes can irritate your skin and make it dry and flaky. Use a mild soap or a moisturizing body wash to keep your skin hydrated and soft.

3. Moisturize regularly

Moisturizing is the key to keeping your skin hydrated during winters. Apply a moisturizer after taking a shower and before going to bed.

Look for a moisturizer that contains natural ingredients such as shea butter, cocoa butter, coconut oil or jojoba oil which help to nourish and hydrate the skin.

4. Hydrate yourself

Drinking enough water is essential for maintaining healthy skin. As the humidity drops during winters, it’s important to keep yourself hydrated by drinking enough water and fluids throughout the day.

5. Use a humidifier

Using a humidifier can help to add moisture to the dry and heated indoor air during winters. This can prevent your skin from becoming dry, itchy and flaky. Place the humidifier in your bedroom to improve the air quality and to keep your skin hydrated.

6. Protect your skin

Always protect your skin from the harsh winds and cold weather. Wear gloves, scarves, and hats to keep your skin covered and protected from the cold. Apply a sunscreen with SPF to protect your skin from harmful UV rays, even on cloudy days.

7. Avoid harsh exfoliants

Exfoliation can remove dead skin cells and impurities, but in winters, the skin is already dry and sensitive. Using harsh scrubs and exfoliants can irritate the skin and cause dryness.

Instead, use a gentle exfoliant or a homemade scrub with natural ingredients such as sugar, honey or oats.

8. Use a lip balm

Winter can be harsh on your lips, leaving them dry, chapped and cracked. Use a lip balm or a lip butter to keep your lips hydrated and moisturized. Look for lip balms that contain natural ingredients such as beeswax, shea butter or almond oil.

9. Eat a healthy diet

What you eat can also affect your skin’s health. Eat a healthy diet rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants such as leafy greens, fruits, nuts, and fish.

Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids such as salmon, walnuts and flax seeds can help to nourish and moisturize the skin from within.

10. Stay healthy

Your overall health also affects your skin. Get enough sleep, exercise regularly and manage your stress levels to keep your skin healthy and glowing. Lack of sleep and stress can cause various skin problems such as acne, eczema, and psoriasis.