The wintertime is a tough time of year for our skin—the cold air can be extremely drying and irritating, and the heat pumping through the radiators doesn’t help.
Women with PCOS may have a particularly difficult time dealing with these issues because of the hormonal changes associated with the condition.
Putting it on your entire body right after a warm shower will open the pores and help the cream be absorbed.
Make sure to apply hand cream throughout the day also, especially if you are washing your hands frequently.
Keep in mind that alcohol-based disinfectant gels are extremely drying to the skin on your hands—opt for hand sanitizers with an emollient like aloe and remember to moisturize often.
If your skin is sensitive, avoid fragrances that may irritate your skin. Consider using an all-natural moisturizer, such as coconut oil.
Avoid spending a lot of time in hot tubs, saunas or hot baths, and keep showers short and as cool as you can stand the water.
Slather on thick cream immediately afterward.
Your skin problems may be more complicated than just ordinary dry, winter skin.
Your healthcare provider should be able to diagnose most skin conditions, including eczema, psoriasis, or bacterial or fungal infections, and will be able to prescribe a more effective treatment.
Try using moisturizing, oil-free soap and exfoliant; dead skin cells can clog pores and cause acne.
Products containing alcohol should also be avoided because of the drying effect it has on your skin.
Both of these are the result of the hormonal changes associated with PCOS, namely insulin resistance.
These can sometimes be a sign of something more serious, so you should check in with your healthcare provider, who can recommend a course of treatment to help you deal with these symptoms.
