Aquaphor to the Rescue

In winter, low temperatures, low humidity and strong, harsh winds deplete our skin of moisture. The dry air from furnaces and other heating sources also suck the moisture out of skin.

By mid-February, my children have turned into  little sandpaper people. They are constantly complaining about dry, itchy skin – their skin is so dry you can see it. And their lips!!! Two of my kids have the bad habit of licking their lips and they end up looking like clowns with bright red, super chapped lips.

I can sympathize. In winter, my skin is dry and scaly and itchy. If I even skip moisturizing after just one shower, I can feel it. My skin gets tight and itchy.

Some tips to avoid dry skin:

1. Warm water, not hot. Hot water robs skin of moisture. If you just can’t bear to turn down the temp on a cold day, keep the shower short.

2. Moisturize while damp. After every bath time, my kids lotion up with Aquaphor right out of the bath. Applying moisturizer right out of a warm bath or shower makes a huge difference – Pat yourself dry with a towel, but apply the moisturizer while skin is still slightly damp. This will help your skin retain the extra water!

3. Skip drying soaps: Use soaps and body washes with gentle ingredients made for dry skin. Stick with a creamy moisturizing cleanser that contains glycerin or petrolatum. If your kids must use bubble bath, use one with natural ingredients. All those perfumes can be severely drying.

4. Baby your hands: Put on moisturizer before you put on gloves. Make sure your kids wear their mittens. Pay particular attention to children who are thumb-suckers – that thumb can get really chapped and painful in winter! For Mama, make sure to moisturize after washing your hands. Keep lotion next to your sink to remind you.

5. Treat dry, cracked heels:  Cover feet in a thick moisturizer, like Aquaphor Healing Ointment, then wrap feet in Saran Wrap or stick them in a plastic sandwich bag (really. trust me.) and pull on a pair of socks for a an hour or so. You will be amazes at the difference!!

6. Carry lotion and lip balm: Make sure you have a Hand Lotion and Lip Balm in your purse or diaper bag. Use as you need to keep hands and lips from getting super dry. All of my kids have a lip balm in their backpacks for when they are at school or day care!

Visit the Aquaphor Facebook page to check out more tips on keeping your family’s skin healthy!

Disclosure: I received an Aquaphor “Mommy & Me” gift pack for review.