1. I Love My Humidifier. we run one in both bedrooms at night, and they make a big difference. (indoor heat strips moisture from the air, and the humidifier puts in back in nicely.) just remember to keep it clean, so you aren't circulating bacteria or mold. we use this great filter-free humidifier
, and it is quiet and effective. 2. Re-Think Your Body Lotions and Moisturizers. harsh ingredients like alcohol, fragrance, and synthetic glycerin can actually dry your skin. mineral oil, petroleum, and petrolatum are also poor ingredients in a moisturizer: chemically identical to crude oil, they cannot be absorbed into the skin and form an impenetrable barrier, blocking skin from receiving moisture or oxygen and preventing the release of toxins. sodium lauryl/laureth sulfate can irritate sensitive skin.
my skin loves non-greasy jojoba oil
, and i even use it on my face. it truly heals and prevents dry and painful winter skin and absorbs especially well after a shower. almond, coconut, and even olive oil can be wonderful, too. the best thing i've found for chapped lips is lanolin. (again, petroleum-based products won't truly moisturize.) it's decidedly non-vegan but very natural and long lasting. spring for organic to avoid traces of pesticide or other toxins.
3. Turn Down the Water Temperature, since excessive heat is drying on delicate skin. although i can't bear to give up super-hot showers, i keep this principle in mind when washing dishes and hands.
4. Use a Saline Nasal Spray. the ones i'm talking about cost under $2 and contain no medicinal ingredients. nasal passages can become dry and uncomfortable in the winter, and a spray is soothing. when i get a bottle, i pop off the lid and put in 2-3 drops of tea tree oil
, which has antiseptic properties and helps to prevent illness, making a good thing even better.now i wonder if anything (barring a tropical vacation!) could make this six degree weather feel like a balmy 60 degrees...
8 comments:
Interesting ideas. My hands and feet do get very dry in the winter; I'm also not real consistent about using even lotion. Doesn't using oil just make you feel greasy all over?
How could April possibly be the cruelest month? That is so wrong.
And I love my humidifiers too. We run two of them nonstop. But one of mine still gets funky, even being used all the time. You don't have any great tips for me on that, do you?
holly, i've found plant-based oils to be very different than mineral oils. since it can be absorbed by our skin, i haven't found jojoba oil to be greasy. the key is to use a modest amount--and keep it away from your hair!
debbie, the directions on our humidfier call for sticking removable parts in dishwasher, and soaking a vinegar/water solution in the basin to remove mineral deposits on the heating element. we try to do that weekly, which works for us, but i don't know exactly what type your family uses...good luck!
jojoba is lovely. I find apricot kernal oil quite good too but it is a bit greasier. Nice in a bath though.
Okay, so I'm not even gonna rub it in that it was a balmy 65 degrees where I live today! But I do feel a little of your pain. When we do get a cold snap and run the heater a bunch for a few days, my skin and my kids' skin dries out so quickly, we are not used to the heater! Thanks for your comment on my blog!
Susannah - do you have any recommendations for dry lips? We are all struggling with them right now and I don't know what to try. I have used vaseline with some success but don't like using it. Any ideas???
Love the suggestions. I have not tried Jojoba oil..but perhaps I will.. What woman doesn't want softer skin!!! Thanks for the tips
i found the BEST thing for chapped lips--lanolin. decidedly non-vegan, but very natural and long lasting.
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