If you suffer from dry and itchy skin during the winter months, you might want to try a few natural remedies, especially if you have sensitive skin. When using over-the-counter preparations, always note whether they are dermatologist-tested. At the same time, there are at-home measures you can take to relieve your discomfort and heal your dry skin. Try the following:

1. Humidify Your Home

During the wintertime, the use of central heat can dry the air and your skin. To help counteract dry skin during winter, you must restore the lost moisture in your home that central heating tends to remove. You can do this with the use of a humidifier.

Alternatively, you might try boiling a few pots of water on your stove. During the evaporation process, moisture will be released into the air. Adding potted plants around the home will add moisture to your environment as well. Even line drying your washed clothing may increase humidity levels in the home to some degree.

2. Watch Your Diet

Your dermatologist may inform you that your diet is a major culprit of winter itch and dry skin. Re-hydrate your winter skin by increasing your water intake. It's also a good idea to incorporate some omega-3 fatty foods into your diet, such as salmon, tuna and mackerel. This can help combat dry skin by restoring natural oils that are stripped from your skin by exposure to the winter air.

Also, foods rich in antioxidants help combat winter dryness. Eat your fill of green, leafy vegetables and vitamin A enriched fresh fruits. Flax seed oil supplements may help your dry skin as well. At the same time, avoid excessive sugar and refined foods, which may aggravate your itchy skin.

3. Limit Your Exposure to the Outdoor Elements

The cold, winter wind can wreak havoc on your skin, causing flakiness and dryness. Cover your exposed skin when venturing outdoors, especially areas that are prone to dryness. Also, don't forget to use a good sunscreen, as the sun's rays can be just as damaging during January as they are in July.

4. Say No to Hot Showers

As tempting as it is on a winter night, a hot bath or shower, even for a limited amount of time, may dry your skin further. Instead, set the water temperature control to lukewarm and limit your bath time to 10-15 minutes. Your dry skin will thank you. Also, forgo the harsh soaps that strip the skin's natural oils, and opt for a moisturizing body wash instead.

5. Try a Soothing Oatmeal Bath

This remedy feels very soothing to dry and itchy skin, and dermatology studies back this theory up. Soaking in a warm oatmeal bath when coming in from the cold can do wonders for your skin. To prepare this natural treatment, grind a few packets of instant oatmeal and a tablespoon of honey in a blender. Add some warm water and pour the mixture into your bathwater.

6. Limit Alcohol Consumption

Alcohol tends to dehydrate the body and skin. While it's more commonplace to indulge in drinks during the winter holiday festivities, you might opt for a refreshing fruit drink instead. Your radiant glow will be your reward.

7. Moisturize Naturally

Most dermatologists agree, moisturizing the skin during winter is a must. Try natural and organic ingredients, such as cocoa butter, shea butter, jojoba oil extract, palm oil and aloe juice. For extremely dry skin, dab some natural olive oil on a cotton ball and apply to dry areas. You might apply some mashed avocado on your skin for 10 minutes, then rinse with lukewarm water, to restore moisture to your skin. 

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