Do you suffer from dry, itchy skin? If so, you are not alone. Up to 1 in 5 people report having winter skin. The list of causes is endless: lower humidity levels, furnaces, sun damage, cold air, hot showers and baths, and overall neglect. The number one cause of dry, winter skin is the drop in humidity levels in the air. In some places, a typical winter day has only about 25% as much humidity as a summer day. You won't find reprieve inside. The air in your home is just as moisture deprived as the air outside. 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 can't imagine forgoing your bubble baths, turn down the temp a little and try adding ground oatmeal to the water. Not only is oatmeal naturally soothing, it also helps the skin bind moisture.

Winter Skin Tip 2.

We don't deny the benefits of a relaxing bath on a cold winter's night. You already know that your skin will benefit from turning down the temperature of the water a bit, but here is an easy way to make that bath even more therapeutic. Just combine 2 cups of powdered milk with an essential oil of your choice and a couple drops 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.

As if you needed another reason to put out that cigarette. Well, here you have it. Cigarettes cause dry skin and wrinkles. Nicotine restricts the tiny blood vessels in your skin, depriving it of the oxygen and nutrients that it needs to be healthy and youthful looking. Nicotine also causes wrinkles and premature aging. Quit the habit and your skin will thank you for it.

Taking care of dry, sensitive skin in winter

Winter Skin Tip 4.

Reduce the temperature. Of course, we can't control Mother Nature. We can, however, adjust the temperature on the thermostat in our house. Furnace-heated air is notoriously dry, and dry air is damaging to your skin. Here is a quick comparison to give you an idea. The air in the Sahara Desert has about 25% humidity. Your home may have as low as 10% humidity in the winter. Higher temperatures on your thermostat only mean harsher winter skin for you.

Winter Skin Tip 5.

Moisturize! Believe it or not, many people do not moisturize as much as they should for proper face care. A good, natural skin care product can do wonders for your dry, sensitive skin. It is recommended to use a skin moisturizer 3 or 4 times daily. Rub in a natural moisturizer in the morning, at night, and any time your skin feels tight or dry. It is always a good idea to use moisturizer after a shower or bath because the moisturizer will help your skin bind to the moisture in the water.

Winter Skin Tip 6.

Seize sunscreen. It should come as no surprise. Sunscreen is vital for hydrated skin. 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.