The skin can take a beating during the winter, and many people experience excessive dryness as a result. Crisp wind, dry and cold air, and heat from furnaces create an unfriendly environment for the skin. You may notice flakier, drier skin that’s prone to itchiness as the temperatures drop. And it seems that all the lotion in the world can’t get rid of the dryness!

Just like any other system or organ in the body, the skin requires nutrients that help it grow and repair on a cellular level. When you eat the right foods or focus on the right nutrients, you can help rebuild the skin’s natural moisturizing factor (NMF). This is a protective barrier that seals in moisture and protects the skin from environmental damage. It’s also beneficial to focus on water-rich foods that help hydrate the skin from within. 

We aren’t saying that your skin care routine is ineffective or outdated; rather, it may simply need a little enhancement. For example, using a moisturizer may prevent transepidermal water loss, but this won’t matter if the skin’s moisture barrier is weak. Attack the problem from all angles and your skin will be hydrated, moisturized, and supple before you know it. Continue reading to learn about the nutrients that will help hydrate the skin during the winter. 

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Many dermatologists recommend people to eat avocado, chia seeds, olive oil, and fatty fish if they want glowing skin. The reason for this is because these foods contain omega-3 fatty acids, which help to improve the skin’s hydration. Omega-3s are an integral component of the skin’s lipid content, and they work to improve the barrier function. If the barrier is working properly, the skin retains more moisture and helps to keep irritants out. Additionally, omega-3s may support the skin by way of hydration and antioxidant photoprotection. 

Vitamin A

During the fall and winter months, it’s very easy to get your daily dose of vitamin A. Many seasonal produce items are naturally rich in this nutrient. Winter squash, sweet potatoes, carrots, or even collard greens and kale are excellent sources of vitamin A. Not only does vitamin A help to maintain skin elasticity, but it also works to fight inflammation, which can contribute to dry skin during the winter. 

Antioxidants

You can include vitamins A, C, E, and other phytonutrients in this category. Antioxidants work to combat free radicals, which can impair the skin’s barrier function and increase the risk of transepidermal water loss. Eating a wide variety of colorful fruits and vegetables can provide you with enough antioxidants to keep the skin hydrated. Astaxanthin, a unique phytonutrient, helps to improve skin elasticity and moisture levels. It may also protect the skin’s collagen layer. Other antioxidants may work to protect the skin from UVB rays and make positive changes to skin microbiome. 

Water-Rich Foods

In addition to drinking water every day, it can help to consume foods with high water content. Roughly 20% of the body’s water intake comes from diet, specifically fruits and vegetables. These foods also offer beneficial antioxidants and nutrients that help protect the skin barrier. Water helps to transport nutrients to your cells, while simultaneously getting rid of toxins. Keeping cells plump and healthy also discourages dry or dehydrated skin. Watermelon, cantaloupe, celery, lettuce, cucumber, radishes, and tomatoes are excellent water-rich produce items. 

Vitamin D

According to dermatologists, it’s easy for the skin to dry out if you are deficient in vitamin D, which is a fat-soluble vitamin. Vitamin D actually triggers receptors that help promote the formation of the skin barrier. Food items provide a low amount of vitamin D, so a supplement may be necessary. Consult with your doctor to determine the correct dosage for your body. As a general note, it’s often better to take a smaller dose every day, as opposed to a larger dose once a week. 

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There are most likely thousands of chia pudding recipes on the internet. You can use all sorts of non-dairy milks, or regular milk, and incorporate everything from mashed bananas to candied walnuts and beyond. We have so many chia pudding recipes in our recipe section, but we wanted to post one that highlights some great winter produce: citrus fruit. Citrus varieties are in peak season from December to March, offering peak flavor and sweetness. They provide lots of vitamin C and their classically refreshing flavors offer a bright boost to the hearty winter diet.

The most striking citrus fruit in this recipe is the blood orange, which unlike other citrus varieties, is only available during the winter months. They have a brilliant tie-dye flesh, with the intensity of the red inside varying tremendously with the variety, growing season, and other factors. The flavor is slightly tart with a juicy sweetness. We counteract the natural sweetness of blood oranges with some tart pink grapefruits. You have the option to include more citrus fruits if you so desire, but we limited it to grapefruit and blood oranges.

Ultimately, the chia pudding itself is separate from the winter citrus fruits. The blood orange grapefruit combo is more of a topping, as the pieces are tossed with grade A maple syrup, alcohol-free vanilla extract, and cinnamon. You can obviously mix this into the chia pudding with every bite you take, but you do not fold the citrus fruits into the chia pudding as it sets. Simply add the fruit compote on top of the pudding when ready to eat.

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During the winter months, you tend to spend more time indoors. The drier indoor air can increase the likelihood of catching a cold, especially if an infected person is in the home. Colds happen this time of year, but there are several things you can do to help keep you and your family as healthy as possible. This article highlights five crucial tips to keep your home clean and germ-free throughout the winter. 

Manage Humidity Levels

If you have the heat on, the air is automatically drier. The humidity level in the home may also affect your risk of contracting a virus. In fact, a 2021 study found that moderate humidity levels between 40-60% may reduce the risk of viral transmission and make certain viruses less likely to survive in the air. Very dry indoor conditions may also worsen allergy symptoms, while excessive humidity can promote other allergens, such as mold. The goal is to find that sweet spot, which tends to be below 60% humidity. Typically, a thermostat can detect a home’s humidity level. And if your home’s humidity level drops below 30%, you may want to invest in a humidifier when colder weather arrives. 

Revamp Your Entryway

Do you have a shelf with a bowl of miscellaneous things right by the front door? Perhaps you have a small desk with a drawer of random mail, keys, and other things. Maybe your children toss their jackets and shoes wherever they want. Don’t clutter your entryway, as that is a germ trap. Consider the following tips to help declutter and clean your entryway:

• Create a designated spot for outdoor footwear, such as a shoe rack, and coats/jackets, such as a coat rack. 
• Remove your shoes when you enter the home. That helps prevent dirt and anything else from entering the home.
• Install a light fixture (even if it is a small lamp) to ensure proper lighting in the entryway. Making it well-lit will make it easier to spot dirty surfaces. 
• Organize your cleaning supplies, such as disinfectant spray and wipes, especially in the entryway. You can keep them on a shelf or in a nearby closet or basket. 

Establish A Disinfecting Routine

There is a difference between cleaning, sanitizing, and disinfecting. Here is a quick break down of what each term means:

• Cleaning is the process of scrubbing a surface with soap and water. It helps remove most but not all, dirt and germs from a surface. 
• Sanitizing involves using a sanitizing spray or diluted bleach solution to reduce the germs on a given surface. You clean and sanitize items and surfaces that come in contact with the mouth, such as toys and food-contact surfaces. Always clean a surface before you sanitize it. 
• Disinfecting is the process of using a stronger bleach solution or chemical cleaner to help get almost all germs off a surface or object. It can be beneficial to clean a surface before disinfecting it. 

Before you start sanitizing and disinfecting, identify your home’s most high-touch surfaces. Doorknobs, countertops, appliance handles, and light switches are great places to start. Take extricate cleaning and disinfecting these surfaces. Keeping a list of things you need to clean can help make tasks more manageable, while alleviating the overwhelming feeling that comes with cleaning. 

Wash Bedding Regularly 

The body naturally sheds sweat and skin cells throughout the day and night. All of that gunk can ultimately build up on soft surfaces around the home, such as your sofa, pillows, blankets, and bedsheets. Aim to change and wash your sheets weekly to help prevent the buildup of bacteria-causing dirt and grime. If you have eczema, or another skin condition, you may want to change and wash sheets twice weekly. Maximize your washing efforts by:

• Using hot water when washing sheets and bedding.
• Getting a second or third set of sheets to make swapping them out easier. 
• Using a high-heat dryer setting to dry your sheets, depending on care instructions.

Check And Change HVAC Filters Frequently

If you have a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system in your home, you have to regularly change the filters to keep the air in your home clean. The frequency at which you need to change filters depends on their thickness. Typically, the filter will tell you how long it lasts. Thicker filters usually last longer and trap more allergens than thinner filters. Some thermostats will remind you to change your filter based on usage. Don’t have an HVAC system? Consider investing in a portable air purifier to help improve indoor air quality. 

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People who suffer from psoriasis tend to experience more symptoms and flare-ups during fall and winter. In addition to the stress people experience during the holidays, the colder temperatures and reduced daylight hours tend to trigger psoriasis symptoms. In fact, in a survey conducted by the National Psoriasis Foundation (NPF), 4 out of 10 people with psoriasis explained that they experienced more symptoms during the winter.

Psoriasis 101

Psoriasis is a condition that causes irregular immune function and involves a series of different symptoms. It’s best to consult a dermatologist to figure out the necessary steps to manage the condition, but each person deals with it in their own way. Some people only experience minor symptoms, while others develop a series of patches and deal with regular flare-ups. For the most part, though, people with psoriasis can experience a combination of the following symptoms:

• Irritated or sensitive skin
• Inflammation of skin and joints
• Itching, burning, stinging, or painful sensation in affected areas
• Overdevelopment of skin cells (resulting in plaques)
• Joint pain (for people who have psoriatic arthritis)

The colder weather and holiday stress doesn’t mean that you have to suffer through flare-ups and frustrating symptoms. You can help manage symptoms and naturally improve the condition with the following tips. 

Add Moisture To The Air

In addition to the dry air outside, indoor air is often very dry as a result of heating. This can irritate sensitive skin and worsen flaking or itching. According to Mayo Clinic, the humidity in your home should be between 30 and 50 percent. One of the best ways to add more moisture to the air is by using a humidifier. Although it’s an expensive option, it’s best to incorporate a central humidifier to your home’s air-conditioning system. A portable humidifier in the bedroom or living room is the next best option. 

Try Light Therapy

It’s possible to receive a prescription from your health care provider for UV light therapy treatment. This can be beneficial during the winter months because there is less daylight. Exposing the skin to ultraviolet B (UVB) light on a regular basis may be an effective treatment for psoriasis. According to studies, UVB light exists in natural sunlight and it helps to penetrate the skin, slowing down the rapid growth of skin cells. It’s possible that other types of light therapy exist, but they may increase the risk of skin cancer. 

Avoid Wearing Wool

When it’s cold outside, staying warm is of the utmost importance. Naturally, many people opt for wool clothing items because it keeps the body incredibly warm. Wool is also itchy and it can be especially irritating for people with psoriasis or sensitive skin. If you already have symptoms, wearing wool may only increase their severity. If you absolutely have to wear your favorite wool sweater, it’s best to do so over cotton or silk undergarments that don’t allow itchy fibers to irritate the skin. It’s also best to wear breathable clothing because bundling up and overheating may lead to chafed skin that increases the risk of flare-ups.

Take Shorter Showers And Baths

Standing in a steamy shower or soaking in a hot bath is magical when it’s cold outside. Spending a lot of time in hot water, however, can easily dry out the skin. Taking a shower or bath helps you get clean, but it also strips the skin of its natural oils. You can help minimize flare-ups and prevent symptoms by only taking one shower or bath per day. Keep it short as well, only spending five minutes or so in the shower and no more than 15 minutes in a bath. If you do take a bath, it’s best to use lukewarm water and mix Epsom salt in to increase mineral absorption.

Avoid Trigger Foods

During the fall and winter months, it’s easy to abandon dietary rules and eat whatever’s in sight. Unfortunately, many of these temptations are often trigger foods that increase the risk of flare-ups. Common trigger foods include processed foods, gluten, high-fat dairy products, alcohol, and more. You can click here to learn more about trigger foods. Many indulgent holiday spreads tend to have these foods, so do your best to avoid them because consuming trigger foods during cold weather may result in severe symptoms or extreme irritation.

In addition to the above recommendations, resist the urge to scratch because that can worsen symptoms. The last thing you want is to accidentally open a lesion and develop an infection. 

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Why are colds, flus, and other respiratory illnesses more common in colder months? People tend to stay indoors, which allows viruses to pass more easily from one person to another. The cold, dry air outside and warm indoor air with poor circulation may weaken the body’s resistance to these viruses.

You may strive to create a germ-free household, but this can prove difficult. That’s why health experts recommend that you set up a disinfecting routine. First, though, you have to understand the difference between cleaning, sanitizing, and disinfecting. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention defines these terms as follows:

• Cleaning: A process that involves scrubbing a surface with water and soap, which helps remove most, not all, germs and grime from the surface. 
• Sanitizing: A process that uses a diluted bleach solution or sanitizing spray to remove germs from surfaces or objects. Always clean before you sanitize. 
• Disinfecting: A process that uses chemicals or a stronger bleach solution to clear the majority of germs from surfaces or objects. Again, always clean before you disinfect. 

Before you embark on your cleaning journey, identify the most high-touch surfaces in your home. Doorknobs, light switches, countertops, appliance handles, and faucets require frequent cleaning. It’s best to regularly wipe down countertops and other visibly dirty surfaces. 

Wash Linens And Bedding Regularly

Shedding skin cells and sweat is completely natural, whether you are walking around or sleeping. All that grime can build up on soft surfaces in your home, including your pillows, blankets, and bedsheets. Health experts encourage you to change and wash your sheets weekly to prevent bacterial build-up. When you launder your bedding and bed clothes, you can reduce the presence of dust mites or other allergens that can hide in bedding. Get a second or third set of sheets to swap them out more easily. 

Check And Change Your HVAC Filters

If you have a heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system in your home, you have to change filters regularly to keep indoor air clean. Some smart thermostats will even remind you to change your filters, which is very helpful. Thicker air filters tend to last longer and trap more allergens or illness-causing particles. Regarding HVAC filters, most companies recommend the following:

• One-inch thick filters: change every 30-60 days. 
• Two-inch thick filters: change every three months.
• Four-inch thick filters: change every six months. 

Manage Humidity Levels

Humidity levels in the home can affect your risk of contracting a virus. According to a study from 2021, moderate humidity levels between 40-60% may reduce the risk of viral transmission. That helps make viruses less likely to survive in the air. Most home thermostats can detect or display indoor humidity levels. If the humidity level drops below 30%, you may want to invest in a humidifier, especially when cold and flu season is around the corner. Additionally, wash your hands and disinfect surfaces more frequently if humidity levels drop.

Declutter Every Night

Some people feel tremendous anxiety if they go to bed without cleaning up their mess. When you wake ups to a tidy room, bathroom, kitchen, and living room, some of that morning stress may not be there. You don’t have to deep clean your house every night, but a minimal cleaning session can go a long way in preparing your mind and body for bed. Put away loose items, wipe down countertops, do all the dishes (or put them in the dishwasher), and don’t leave cosmetics all over the bathroom counter. If all of that seems stressful, consider rounding everything up in a basket and placing that in one spot as a start. 

Revamp Your Entryway

If you walk into your house and don’t remove your shoes, you are tracking dirt and other germs inside. The entryway, be it grand or small, is a place to shed your outside self before fully entering the home. Maybe you toss your jacket somewhere, fling your shoes, and discard your bag aimlessly. A tidy entryway can minimize clutter and help prevent germs from entering the home. Below, you’ll find a few tips to help keep your entryway clean:

• Take off your shoes once you enter your home.
• Use a basket or other receptacle to collect things that don’t belong in the entryway. Empty it regularly.
• Create a designated spot for outdoor footwear, for example, a shoe rack.
• Organize your cleaning supplies, such as disinfectant spray and wipes, and keep them on a nearby shelf near the entryway.
• Install a light to ensure proper lighting in your entryway. This can make it easier to spot dirt or grime when cleaning.

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Just because winter is a little more gloomy, that does not mean you have to eliminate fresh, vibrant salads from your diet. We encourage you to embrace seasonal produce, such as pomegranates, oranges, broccoli, and other items that you can easily incorporate into a slaw, such as this one. Tossed in a balanced citrus vinaigrette dressing, this winter slaw serves as a main course on the raw vegan diet. It can also be a versatile side dish or topping for sandwiches post-cleanse. This slaw is truly a delightful balance of sweet and tangy flavors with a variety of textures.

One of the best things about this crunchy winter slaw is that it is easy to prepare, but that doesn’t mean it lacks flavor. Crisp cabbage, juicy pomegranate arils, crunchy broccoli stems, and torn kale leaves come together for an irresistibly refreshing dish. Plus, it is visually stunning! Make sure that you remove the thick kale stems, as they are very bitter and can leave an unpleasant taste in your mouth. If you want to make less work for yourself, get a package of baby kale leaves, which do not have thick stems and have a slightly sweeter taste than regular kale.

Instead of onion, we decided to include shallots, which have a similar flavor to onion, slightly more mild and sweet. The great thing is that shallots do not overpower the other ingredients. The pair beautifully with the sweet and tangy pear and refreshing pomegranate arils. Toss everything in the citrus vinaigrette and your palate is in for a real winter treat.

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December is the month when celebrations, vacations, and lots of eating take place. If you succumb to the power of hot chocolate, candy canes, and pumpkin spice lattes, then your caloric intake dramatically increases. Then New Year’s Eve rolls around and you treat yourself to appetizers and libations. January arrives and the weather is still cold, decreasing the likelihood that you’ll go out and get a gym membership like you said you would.

Even though you may not gain 15 pounds, winter weight gain is a real thing. Shorter days, longer nights, and colder weather trigger the human’s animalistic urge to survive. Winter weather also gives people the desire to enjoy more comfort food in an effort to stay warm. And people continue to enjoy these heavy meals long after the holidays are over. Finally, fat cells are also more sensitive to sunlight, which is something that lacks during the winter. All of these things make gaining weight during winter a lot easier than you could ever imagine. 

You don’t have to let winter control your weight when you are aware of why weight gain happens. Even though the holidays are over, winter still has its ways of tempting you. Continue reading to learn about common ways people gain weight during the winter. 

Changes In Sleep Habits

The lack of sunshine and colder temperatures can negatively affect your sleep habits. When you cannot maintain healthy sleep patterns, you are more prone to overeating and choosing less nutritious foods. According to registered dietitians, the darker days and cold can cause people to hit snooze on alarms more frequently. This can throw off eating times, and may even cause people to skip breakfast because of rushing to leave the house. Skipping breakfast can lead to drive-thru breakfast orders or overeating later in the day. It may even cause higher sugar cravings. 

People Eat More Like Animals

Researchers suggest that humans tend to eat more like animals in colder climates. Colder temperatures activate the internal drive in the same way as it does in animals. This means that the body craves more calories to gain fat in order to promote internal insulation. When you’re cold, the body burns more calories to raise the core temperature, causing people to eat and refuel the tank. There’s nothing wrong with eating more, but choosing nutritious options over unhealthy foods is often the obstacle to overcome. Choose hearty stews with potatoes, legumes, and vegetables and bowls with whole grains and roasted vegetables to fill up with nutrients. 

Dehydration

You’d think that summer is the most common season to experience dehydration, but hydration issues still occur during the colder months. When the temperature drops, people don sweaters, scarves, beanies, gloves, and more. These clothing items cause people to sweat, just as outdoor heat causes people to sweat during summer. When the body is in a state of dehydration, it’s common to reach for additional calories to consume. It’s understandable that you don’t always want to drink cold water, so consider drinking herbal, caffeine-free teas to help promote hydration during winter.

Seasonal Affective Disorder

Shorter days and lack of sunshine can have a significant affect on your mood. Sometimes, it takes moving to a place that experiences more sunshine and warmer weather to realize that they help lift your spirits. Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a type of depression caused by seasonal change. As is typical with mood disorders, SAD can cause poor diet quality that ultimately leads to weight gain. Although exercise can help boost mood and counteract weight gain, a dietary change is often necessary. 

People Don’t Exercise As Much

Naturally, the winter cold doesn’t entice people to exercise outside, although there are some people who run no matter the conditions. Failure to spend time in the sun and outside can lead to the previously mentioned SAD. Lack of exercise also contributes to weight gain during the winter. Some people postpone exercise in December and vow to resume their workout regimen in the New Year. This doesn’t always come to fruition, and people remain in an exercise lull until warmer weather arrives. With so many exercise apps and online workout videos, it’s easier than ever to workout whenever and wherever. Don’t let the weather dictate when you work out!

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Although Christmas trees are no longer aglow and decorated in your house, you can still make use of fresh pine needles from wild pine trees. Incorporate these aromatic needles into your very own sugar scrub. You want to know the best part? Not only is it incredibly easy to make, but it also requires just three ingredients! No need for double boilers or infusion methods. Just whip up a batch of this stuff and your skin will thank you.

If winter has left your skin dry and scaly, a sugar scrub may be the best way to pamper your skin. Not only does a sugar scrub help exfoliate the skin, but it also provides it with moisture, due to the presence of coconut oil. As a quick note, if coconut oil does not agree with your skin, you can replace it with jojoba oil or sweet almond oil, as those are great carrier oils for all skin types. 

Why Use Pine Needles?

Pine needles happen to be one of the most widely used herbs in the world. For example, Traditional Chinese Medicine has used them for thousands of years, as they are an excellent source of vitamin C. They have been incorporated into various herbal remedies for stomachaches, inflammation, headaches, arthritis, and more. Regarding inflammation, pine needles are often used because of their antioxidant and flavonoid content. The flavonoids in pine needles act as powerful antioxidants that protect the body from free radical damage. They also help prevent blood clots, aid with cholesterol reduction, and fight off some cancer cells. 

The antioxidants in pine needles also exhibit antimicrobial effects, which work to fight redness or infections on the skin. Chinese medicine used pine needle oil to help keep wounds clean while they healed. Additionally, pine needles have an anti-inflammatory effect on the skin, which may help reduce redness or swelling. In fact, some research says that pine needle tea helps reduce arthritic symptoms by aiding inflammation reduction in the body. 

In addition to the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, pine needles are also rich in vitamin K. While vitamin K is necessary for optimal bone health, it also helps the body produce collagen, which keeps the skin smooth and elastic. The presence of vitamin C in pine needles also provides an added boost for collagen production. Finally, pine needles are particularly rich in both vitamin A and B1, which are necessary for cell growth. 

A Quick Note Of Caution

If you have sensitive skin, or you are prone to eczema, use discretion when experimenting with new ingredients on the skin. Always do a patch test, which involves using a small amount of the product on an area that can stay undisturbed if you experience a breakout. Dry skin is one thing that can inflame eczema. The application of oil-based exfoliants, such as this sugar scrub, may help with long-term hydration. Make sure that you avoid washing right away, or else you will strip the skin of any oil that the skin has not yet absorbed. 

DIY Winter Pine Sugar Scrub

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup white sugar
• 2.5 tablespoons coconut oil
• 1-2 tablespoons fresh pine needles, chopped

Instructions:

• Begin by pouring the sugar into a medium-sized mixing bowl. Make sure it is free of clumps. 
• Pour room temperature coconut oil into the sugar and mix until completely combined. 
• Add the chopped pine needles and continue to stir until fully incorporated. 
• Transfer the mixture to a glass jar and screw on the top, making sure to store in a cool, dark place. 
• When ready to use, massage about a teaspoon-sized amount and massage into the skin. Leave on for about 10 minutes before rinsing with warm water.

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Winter is the season for cozy sweaters, steaming mugs of tea, nights around a crackling fire, and dry and itchy skin. For people with eczema, winter is a time of itchy skin and flare-ups. Life doesn’t have to be this way, though. If you have eczema, you don’t have to fear winter and think that it equates to itchy-skin misery. There are steps you can take during the winter to keep flare-ups and dryness at bay. 

Why Is Eczema Worse During The Winter?

Eczema is a skin condition that causes dry, scaly, and itchy rash on the top of the skin. People with eczema can experience severe itching, thick or scaly skin, dry patches that look scaly, and even raw or sensitive skin. It’s possible to experience more flare-ups or more severe itchiness during the winter. The moist outdoor conditions of snow or rain and indoor heat can cause dry skin, itchiness, or flare-ups. It’s also possible to experience flare-ups as a result of wearing too many layers, taking showers or baths that are too hot, or using too many blankets while sleeping. 

When you take the proper measures to protect the skin, eczema is manageable condition. There isn’t a single remedy or answer that works for every person, but there are tips to help calm symptoms or winer flare-ups. Learn more about these remedies below. 

Avoid Rapid Temperature Changes

Any time the skin experiences a rapid change in temperature, it starts to feel itchy and dry out. The constant back and forth between colder outdoor temperatures and warm, dry indoor temperatures can cause the skin to dry out quickly. If you have eczema, try wearing gloves, scarves, and beanies or winter hats when outside so as to keep the skin warm. Try your best to not let the skin get cold and protect sensitive areas from rapid temperature changes. Avoid hot water when you’re cold and make showers or baths warm, not scalding hot. 

Glove Up

Hands dry out quickly during the winter, and people with hand eczema can experience deep cracks, peeling, or blisters. Protect your hands from this damage by wearing gloves when you’re outside. Dermatologists agree that protecting the hands from the winter environment can help them retain moisture. Don’t use wool gloves, though, because they can cause itchiness to eczema-prone hands. 

Moisturize…Then Moisturize Again

If you want to control your eczema during the winter months, you need to have moisturizer at the ready. One study found that parents, who were educated about moisturizing their children who had eczema, were able to significantly improve their children’s skin during the winter. Using emollients is advisable because they help lock moisture into the skin, while also allowing it to breathe. Moisturize the skin within three minutes of exiting the shower or bath to help seal the moisture into the skin.

Use Gentle Soap

With the presence of new COVID-19 variants, health experts continue to encourage frequent hand-washing. If you have eczema or sensitive skin, it’s best to avoid harsh soaps or bath products that have harmful ingredients. Try your best to use gentle, moisturizing soaps that don’t contain dyes, alcohol, or fragrances. Harsh soaps are also laundry detergents, so look for those ingredients in detergents as well if you want to keep your skin healthy.

Use A Humidifier

The heating system in your home makes the air dry, which can irritate your eczema. Add moisture back to the air by combatting the warm, dry air with a humidifier. There are portable humidifiers that you can place in each room, but you can also invest in larger ones that you can hook up to a heating system. Make sure to frequently change the water in the humidifier (every three days is sufficient) to avoid fungal or bacterial build-up. 

Supplement With Vitamin D

The skin naturally creates vitamin D when it is exposed to sunlight. Because of the lack of sun during winter, it’s more difficult to get the vitamin D that the skin needs for repair and maintenance. One study found that people with eczema who supplemented with vitamin D during winter were able to reduce flare-ups. A review of studies from 2016 found that vitamin D supplements help to improve eczema symptoms. Consult with your health care professional about which vitamin D supplement is best for you. 

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For a lot of people, the hype of the holidays can bring a lot of excitement, joy, and lots of nostalgia. For others, the holiday season can bring up past trauma, estranged relationships, and feelings of loneliness. Even if that isn’t the case, the holidays are like an emotional rollercoaster. You go from intense levels of holiday activities to very low energy, which can seem like peace, but the emotional result is often depression.

What Are The Post-Holiday Blues?

According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), the holiday blues are characterized by feelings of anxiety and stress that stem from a variety of reasons. A 2015 survey found that about 64% of people reported that they experienced the post-holiday blues. Financial stress, an inability to make it home for the holidays, and the emotional whirlwind of emotions after the holidays finish can all cause bouts of depression. Plus, seasonal depression is more common than you think, with about 14% of American adults experiencing the winter blues. 

If you are dealing with feelings of stress or depression, please understand that you are not alone. There are many ways to manage your symptoms and get the help you need. The post-holiday blues can affect people who may or may not be dealing with depression already. The following signs are common indicators of post-holiday blues:

• Activities are more difficult than normal
• Difficulty getting out of bed or struggling to make food
• Feeling more tired than usual
• Having trouble concentrating
• Losing interest in things that used to bring you joy

Don’t let the post-holiday blues control your life. Take action and manage your mental health, working through your feelings to start anew. We hope that the following tips help you beat the post-holiday blues. 

Get Out Of The House

Cut the atmosphere of being in a house that doesn’t have any holiday activities or aromas by getting out of your home. Even on a gray or snowy day, step outside to raise your energy levels. If it is really cold where you are, make sure to bundle up so as not to freeze. You can combine your outing by meeting a friend at a local coffee shop. Consider chatting with the cashier at the grocery store, the mail carrier, or even the gas station attendant. Getting out of your house is a great way to interrupt the winter blues. 

Limit Your Alcohol Intake

Drinking and the holidays seem to be quite synonymous, especially during holiday celebrations. The intake of libations tends to continue long after the celebrations come to a close, though. Because alcohol is a depressant, it can only enhance feelings of sadness, especially if you are alone. Drinking to excess can affect your mood and amplify any negative feelings, even if you push them down deep. Avoid alcohol if you can and consider doing something productive, like taking down decorations, getting rid of old clothes, or volunteer at a local shelter to help out those in need.

Talk To Someone Verbally

It’s easy to send a text, direct message, or email, but it means so much more when you communicate verbally. Think about someone that you enjoy being around or care about and call that person on the phone. Rather than complaining about your mood, ask them how they are doing. What was the best part of their holiday weekend, or where did they have the most fun? If you feel that someone may not answer their phone, you can send a text saying that you want to chat for a few minutes. 

Reread Greeting Cards

Greeting cards, or holiday cards, are not as common as they used to be, but people still send them and they can bring a smile to your face. We aren’t going to lie: some greeting cards are bland and boring. For every few bad greeting cards, you get a great one that you hopefully save. When the holidays are over, bust out the greeting cards to reread them and figure out which ones are your favorites. Don’t ruminate in your depression when you can easily brighten your spirits by reading words from a friend, family member, or loved one. 

Slide Out Of The Holidays

If you are going to sit on the couch and watch TV or do another activity, make sure that it is not holiday-related. It may not seem likely, but you can easily go down the rabbit hole of what you just lost. Take care of your mental health by taking your mind off the holidays and directing your gaze toward the new year. There are many things to do to wrap up the year! Consider getting a head start on your health goals, or start cleaning to have a neat and tidy home for New Year’s Day.

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