Now that we are, for the most, part spending more and more of the day inside, dry skin is plaguing both adults and children. A recent article at Ask Dr. Sears, discusses what causes this dry skin and steps to take to combat it.

Best known as THE name in attachment parenting and author of a variety of parenting books, Dr. Sears provides tips for healthy families that often include natural healing and an eco friendly approach.

Since extensive exposure to central heating in homes can severely dry out skin Dr. Sears Tips include:

1. Vaporize the air. Put a vaporizer in your bedroom. Vaporizers have a double health benefit. They not only increase the humidity in the bedroom and help prevent winter skin from drying out, but the steam also acts like a heat source. …The more humid air allows you to turn the central heating down and save fuel costs.
2. Drink more water. Water hydrates the body and the skin…from the inside
3. Moisturize. After bath time moisturize your children’s’ bodies by applying a natural moisturizer like California Baby or Burt’s Bees.
4. Eat more seafood. – Three important nutrients that are high in seafood and nutritious for the skin are vitamin A, omega-3 fats and vitamin D. (This is important since there is less sunshine and therefore less vitamin D in the winter time.) “It is” illnesses, such as dermatitis, are caused by inflammation. Omega 3’s act like anti-inflammatories to help heal and repair the skin. Omega 3’s can be given in supplement form if your children aren’t fond of fish.
5. Eat lots of fruits and vegetables. The nutrients in fruits and vegetables that give them their bright color, such as red tomatoes and blueberries, provide antioxidants … that slow down the wear and tear in the skin. (Since fruits may be expensive to come by and almost certainly not locally grown Juice Plus supplements, which Dr. Sears also endorses are a great substitute in winter months)

These simple steps will help you save money, reduce your carbon footprint, and stay healthy this winter.