Winter Skin Strategies for Whole-Body Care

As winter rolls in and humidity fades away, the dry, cold air, combined with harsh winds, can leave skin feeling parched, dull, and irritated. Cracked heels and rough elbows remind us it's not just the exposed areas of our bodies that suffer from the elements. Here’s our guide for how to save your skin and restore its suppleness this season.     

Dry Arms and Legs

During cooler months, skin can feel tight, rough, or even flaky — especially on the arms and legs. This dryness can lead to ashy patches, particularly around the elbows and knees.  

While it's tempting to turn up the thermostat and enjoy a hot shower after a cold day, both can deplete moisture from the skin. Opt for lukewarm water when bathing and use a high-emollient body wash to help seal in hydration to keep the skin's natural oils intact.  

Gently exfoliating in the shower helps lift away dry, dead skin cells, leaving your skin primed for hydration. While your skin is still damp, apply a light botanical oil, like almond or jojoba, to lock in moisture. Once you've dried off, follow up with a rich moisturizer. Be sure to gently pat your skin dry with a towel, as scrubbing can further irritate.

Cracked Heels

Though warm shoes can hide cracked heels, the discomfort is hard to ignore. Plus, sweat from those winter boots can further dry out feet as moisture evaporates.  

Regular exfoliation with a foot file, pumice stone, or gritty foot scrub can help keep heels smooth. To lock in moisture, apply a thick, emollient-rich cream after showering. Overnight moisturizing socks can also help keep feet hydrated longterm.  

Plus, a cream containing salicylic acid can work wonders when preventing cracked heels. The skin care ingredient helps reduce dryness, scaling, and skin thickening.  

Chapped Lips

Parched, cracked, and uncomfortable — chapped lips are no fun. Without oil glands to keep them moisturized, our lips are more vulnerable to dryness and cracking, especially during winter's cold, dry months.  

To prevent dry lips, apply a lip balm with SPF daily. Even in cold weather, sun exposure can harm the delicate skin on the lips. For those who habitually lick their lips, keep in mind that saliva evaporates quickly and leaves lips drier than before. Avoid waxy lip balms that just sit on the surface. Instead, choose a vitamin E or oil-based balm that will penetrate the lips and keep them soft and hydrated.  

Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate

One simple yet powerful tip is to add a humidifier to your home or office environment to reintroduce moisture to the air. Additionally, consuming omega-3 fatty acids can help nourish the skin from within, keeping it hydrated and supple.

Seeking to dive deeper into self-care this season? Don't miss our Beauty Week at Canyon Ranch Tucson, taking place Jan. 26-29. This special winter wellness retreat features a series of engaging demonstrations showcasing the latest skin care tools and techniques. Join in on some or all of these special events by contacting a Wellness Guide after booking your stay during the correlating dates.