Dealing with dry skin in Japan

One of the biggest health issues I have at this time of year isn't related to runny noses or other cold symptoms – it's actually dry skin! Winters here are much drier than I'm used to back home, and that really does take a toll on my skin overall. There are a number of ways I try to combat the effects of the dry climate on my skin, and these are some of my suggestions.

Solid moisturizing products – lip balms, creams, sheet masks

One of the most important things for me is making sure I'm replenishing the moisture in my skin that the air is sucking out. I have a variety of lip balms, body and face moisturizers, and sheet masks on rotation at any given time, and I particularly like using sheet masks as part of my night time routine.

I particularly like sheet masks at the end of the day – they help add some moisture to my skin and also feel so relaxing!

Humidifiers at night

Another thing that's paramount for me is running a humidifier when I sleep. Before Japan I'd never owned a humidifier, but now I can't imagine not having one during winter. If I'm not intentional with running the humidifier nightly I even end up getting bloody noses (gross, I know) from how dry it is, so this really is an essential health item for me.

Limiting long, hot showers & baths

One thing I love is a long, hot shower or bath at this time of year – but I have to remind myself that it actually does more harm than good! The hotter the water, the more it actually draws moisture and natural oils from your skin (and hair, for that matter), so setting the water at a more reasonable temperature than scalding hot lava is smarter.

Remember to use sunscreen, even when it's overcast

I'm extremely pale and burn super easy when the sun is out, so during summer I'm almost militant with my sunscreen application. I have been reminding myself of the importance of it during winter, too, even on days when it's overcast. UV rays can also be amplified when reflecting off ice and snow (hello, life in Niigata!) so applying sunscreen to protect your skin is extra important if you're living in a corner of Japan like mine. Some sunscreens are specifically designed for dry skin, such as the Orbis On Face Moist product – although it has a little lower SPF than I prefer at SPF34.

Are there any tips you have for keeping your skin healthy at this time of year? Let me know in the comments below!