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Seal Cracked Heels and Fingertips With Crazy Glue
During winter, humidity plunges, and then overactive heating dries things out even further. What does that mean for the workhorse skin on your hands and feet? Less natural moisture and more chance for cracking and fissures. New Haven, Connecticut, dermatologist Mona Gohara, M.D., suggests sealing splits with a line of nontoxic superglue. Gently squeeze on one to two drops and hold the fissure closed until the sides bond, 30 to 60 seconds. If you get glue where you don't want it, whisk it away with a bit of nail polish remover. "When the glue softens, peel it away. The crack should be healed," she says.
Exfoliate a Dry Scalp With a Teaspoon of Sugar
Add it to your shampoo and massage thoroughly. "You'll exfoliate away dead skin and allow conditioner to nourish the scalp more effectively," says NYC dermatologist Francesca Fusco, M.D.
Set a Timer for the Tub
Steamy showers and scalding tubs break down the surface lipids that keep your skin moisturized. So resist the marathon bathing urge. Instead, set a kitchen timer for 10 minutes max, suggests New Orleans dermatologist Mary Lupo, M.D. Baths should be no longer than 20, and the water should never be piping.
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Put Oatmeal in Your Bath
If you are going to soak, oatmeal is a good bet. Put 1/2 cup of dried rolled oats in a cheesecloth and drop it in your bath, suggests Boston dermatologist Emmy Graber, M.D. "Oats contain anti-inflammatory avenanthramides, which soothe dry and ruddy skin," she says. Don't have cheesecloth? Old tights, nylons, or a sock will work too. To boost the calming effect, run the satchel over your skin, soap-style, as you bathe.
Moisturize With Your Own Sweat
If you're a runner, skier, or snowshoer—or really any kind of winter outdoorswoman—try this next time you brave the cold: Slather Vaseline on your hands and slip on a pair of cotton gloves. "The Vaseline traps the sweat on your hands, allowing the trapped sweat to act as a natural moisturizer," says Dr. Graber. "It's messy but really prevents and heals severely dry hands."
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Make Your Own Lotion Applicator
Use a piece of double-sided foam tape to affix a makeup sponge to a wooden spoon. "The waist, hips, and back can be hard to reach and tend to get really dry in the winter," says Dr. Waldorf. If you're not feeling crafty, L'Applique is a cheap store-bought option.
Chapstick Your Brows, 'Bows, and Lids
A moisturizing and healing lip balm—one with natural emollients like shea butter or petrolatum and botanical soothers like calendula and arnica—works beyond la bouche. Dr. Fusco dabs flaky eyebrows, dry elbows, and patchy lids with Gosling's ChopSaver Gold.
Remove Eye Makeup With Coconut Oil
Scoop a dab of coconut oil on your fingerips, and massage it gently into your lids and lashes for about 20 seconds. The natural emollient will melt away even the most stubborn waterproof formulas. Wipe away debris with a clean face cloth and repeat on the lower lid. For extra credit—and moisture—you could even dab a bit more on your lids after you're done.
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Turn Off Your Bathroom Fan
Or shut the window. Here's a way to get your steamy shower fix, sans drying out your skin. Shut yourself in your bathroom with the fan off and the windows shut. Now crank the shower or the sink at its hottest temperature. "Sit down in the steam for 5 to 10 minutes, then moisturize," says NYC dermatologist Joshua Zeichner. M.D. "It's not particularly water-efficient, but you really lock in hydration."
Courtesy SELF
Or shut the window. Here's a way to get your steamy shower fix, sans drying out your skin. Shut yourself in your bathroom with the fan off and the windows shut. Now crank the shower or the sink at its hottest temperature. "Sit down in the steam for 5 to 10 minutes, then moisturize," says NYC dermatologist Joshua Zeichner. M.D. "It's not particularly water-efficient, but you really lock in hydration."
Courtesy SELF
