**Follow these healthy skin tips to keep your skin soft and healthy all winter long**

1. Eat a healthy diet for radiant skin inside and out

• Fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins are beneficial
• Limit processed foods, refined grains (white flour, breads, pasta, etc.) and saturated fats
• Stay hydrated

2. Moisturize, moisturize and moisturize some more

• Use a sensitive moisturizer- one without harsh chemicals
• After every shower, apply a liberal amount to lock in moisture before getting dressed
• Keep moisturizer with you everywhere you go- at home, at the office, in the car, etc. and apply throughout the day as needed
• If you're outside, apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen, winter sun can still damage your skin

3. Avoid using skin care products that contain alcohol, which does an excellent job at drying out skin

• Check the ingredients list before buying a new cleanser
• If you want to change things up a bit, try using olive oil, coconut oil, apricot kernel oil, etc. These natural oils are chemical-free and give your skin a healthy radiance

4. Avoid exposure to dry air

• Use a dehumidifier in your home
• Bundle up when going out in the elements- a hat, scarf and gloves are necessary to prevent warm air from escaping and windburn

5. As tempting as it may be...avoid taking lengthy hot showers and baths. This will promote dry, itchy skin by removing oils

• Instead, take warm showers/baths for a shorter period of time
• Take fewer baths/showers during cold winter months
• After bathing, pat skin dry with a clean towel-don't rub-to allow some moisture to remain

6. If you have dry, itchy skin, try your hardest not to scratch it

• This can cause open sores which can get infected
• For a dry, itchy scalp massage some Vitamin E, olive oil or coconut oil into your scalp before taking a shower. This will help prevent dry, damaged hair. Avoid blow-drying and brushing hair when it's wet

7. Keep stress at a minimum

• Stress can lead to breakouts and other skin issues so relax, shorten your to-do list and spend time doing things you enjoy
• Examples of fun indoor activities: arts and crafts, family/friend game night, potluck dinners, storytelling, movie marathons, exercise videos, yoga, and cleaning projects!

**If you notice something unusual going on with your skin, make an appointment to see your health care provider or dermatologist**

Is your lotion not doing the trick? Check out OIL: FOOD FOR YOUR SKIN.

Today's post was written by Kristin Bogdonas, MPH. She is a Certified Health Education Specialist and Nutrition & Wellness Educator covering Mercer, Henry, Rock Island and Stark Counties.