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For many across the country, November transitions from brisk, gusty winds to cold, dry weather. As the temperatures drop, you may be bothered by a condition known commonly as “winter itch.” The itching feel that some experience much more strongly in the winter is caused mainly by dry skin and is, in fact, most common in older adults. 

The general discomfort of dry skin is one of many reasons to keep your skin healthy. Your skin is a good indicator of your well-being, so the way that you treat your skin may reflect the way you take care of yourself. 

But, maintaining healthy skin is fairly simple. The following are just a few ways that you can start to improve your skincare routine.

Protect yourself from the sun’s rays.
Exposing your skin to the sun increases your risk of wrinkling, spotting, and skin cancer. You cannot always avoid being outside under the sun, but there are several measures you can take to prevent its damage. First, applying sunscreen with a sun protection factor of at least fifteen is crucial to skin care not only in the summer, but is encouraged throughout the entire year. Additionally, seeking shade, avoiding spending too much time outdoors when the sun’s rays are strongest, and wearing protective clothing are all simple lifestyle adjustments that can benefit your skin greatly.

Keep your body hydrated. 
U.S. News advises staying hydrated for optimal health and skincare. In general, you should try to drink between eight and ten glasses of water per day. What effect does drinking water have on your skin? Drinking water helps your skin retain the moisture lost by other drinks, such as coffee and alcohol. Keeping your skin moisturized is essential to maintaining proper skincare.

Keep your skin clean.
According to Mayo Clinic, daily shaving, showering, and cleansing can cause harm to your skin if not done properly. Try to limit the amount of time you spend in the shower in order to retain the nourishing oils in your skin. While shaving, always use shaving cream or gel, and shave in the direction of hair growth so as not to harm yourself. After you shower, pat yourself dry in order to keep a healthy amount of moisture on your skin. If your skin is still dry, consider using a moisturizing lotion on top of your regular skin routine. 

Pick any one of these tips and get started on caring for your skin today. Don’t wait until the winter itch
settles in to be kind to your skin!