Surely, you have noticed that your skin is drier and more sensitive in the winter, but do you know why? The humidity in the air decreases in the winter, resulting in dry, itchy skin, which can be uncomfortable and irritating. When we retreat to our furnace-heated homes, we expose ourselves to winter dry skin. Furnace-heated air can reduce humidity levels in your house by 20 to 30%. Between the natural changes in humidity outside and the changes caused by heating inside, it is no wonder we suffer from dry skin in the winter months. 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 aware of the soap that you are using. 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. Use a humidifier in your house to counteract the drying effects of furnace heat during the winter months. Furnaces act as air dryers and leave your skin red, irritated, and flaky. Try placing a humidifier in a strategic place in your house, like your living room or bedroom, so that you can fully take advantage of the benefits. Just leaving the bathroom door open while you shower will send moisture out into the moisture deprived air.

Winter Skin Tip 3. Bye-bye baths. While a hot, steamy bath may be relaxing, it is also moisture draining. If you are unwilling to give up your bath time, turn down the temperature of the water and add some ground oatmeal to the water. Oatmeal alleviates dry skin by exfoliating all those dead, dry flakes and helping moisture bind 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. Don't dry. Skin is more able to absorb moisture when it is damp than when it is dry. After a shower or bath, use a towel to gently pat your skin and put on a bio antioxidant moisturizer while your skin is still damp.

Winter Skin Tip 6. Heal your lips. Our lips are especially exposed to chapping. Licking your lips will not leave them more moisturized. Use a natural lip balm that does not contain alcohol, which will only further dry your lips.