?As temperature drops down, heaters switch on, and the wind blows up, the battle for healthy skin begins. Dry air takes away the thin oil layer that leaves moisture in the skin and flares painful and itchy conditions such as severe dry skin eczema, and psoriasis. If we stop moisture producing or if heating stops affecting on our skin, that will cause little cracks that destroy the barrier of the skin. Any actions traumatic to the skin, such as cracking, can cause an inflammatory response, which can force skin to become more susceptible to flare-ups of eczema and psoriasis. But you can minimize the risks by preparing now and avoid next few months toll taken on your skin. Here is our action plan to help you battle for healthy skin as winter approaches.

1. When it is cold outside, instead of prolonging our hot showers and baths- a recipe for irritated and dry skin- use lukewarm, not hot, water and keep the shower as brief as possible. Also switch to moisture-rich less aggressive soaps made for sensitive skin. Try to pat gently yourself dry to avoid traumatizing or skin over drying. Do not forget to apply moisturizer while your skin is still slightly damp.

2. Whether you have psoriasis, eczema or severe dry skin called as xerosis, you need to return on any moisture the dry air takes away. As soon as the weather gets dry, alarm yourself to start a regular moisturizing. The best time to do it is right after you bathe. To get better results you can wrap the problem areas in plastic wrap for about 20 minutes to one hour after moisturizing. Your skin will baby soft!

3. If your skin does get irritated, choose breathable soft fabrics, just as cotton, instead of polyester or itchy woolens. Less fitting clothing will also help to keep your skin from becoming irritated by perspiration and chafed. Keep the humidity level at home between 20% and 40% it can be measured by a hygrometer.

4. Many viral, bacterial, or fungal infections can make psoriasis and eczema even worse because they involve immune system responses. Follow basic steps to keep yourself healthy, like getting enough sleep, washing your hands frequently, and exercising. Do everything to fight infection!

5. Winter means the holidays and the stress that they inevitably contain. Trying to get things done before the holidays as well as emotional stress and being under pressure definitely can trigger skin problems as during periods of stress, the ability of our skin to retain water is quite reduced. Look for any possible way to relieve stress related to holiday.

6. Weight gain in general can worsen the problematic skin conditions. So tread carefully first bite of Thanksgiving turkey to the last glass of champagne on New Year?s Eve as almost every holiday is a weight-gain minefield.

7. Winter also brings a reduction in the amount of sun exposure not a good fact since sunlight is very important not only for our skin but for the whole body as well to produce vitamin D and get enough calcium that way. The problem is two-fold. Firstly, people wear clothes that cover the skin and have a tendency to stay indoors. Secondly, the energy of ultraviolet light is lessened in the winter. So phototherapy makes sense for patients being responsive to ultra violet light.

8. Drink as much water as you can! It is one of those essential things you must do during any season and the wintertime is no exception. Try to take in 0.30 liter per 1 kilogram of your weight. You will stay hydrated and get happy your skin.