The Winter of My Skin's Discontent

I try to avoid blogging about the weather, but let me just put it out there that this winter has SUCKED.  Having a baby in the fall is difficult as it is, with the general darkness and cold and claustrophobia of being stuck indoors.  I always hope for the best, but this winter, I can honestly say I can't imagine it being any worse (okay, that's not true.  More snow would be worse.  But it's pretty damn bad.).  It's been polar vortexes and negative wind chills and gray day after gray day.

I myself can deal with the cold.  But throw in a newborn and two other kids with the most sensitive skin known to man, and we are pretty much home bound.  When I do take them outside, the physical ramifications are apparent.

Case in point: my oldest sons poor chapped hands:

We forgot to send him to school with gloves on Monday (and by we, I mean my husband, not that I'm pointing fingers or anything).  Four days later, he is still red and splotchy and asking for a bandaid to make it all better.

Additionally, despite only going from the door to the car, my two month old has developed eczema across his face.  My three year old looks like he has been slapped on both cheeks they are so red.  And my lips have begun spontaneously cracking and bleeding.  It's fun stuff.

I generally use lip balm and petroleum jelly or some other kind of lotion on our skin when it's frigid outside, but it only does so much.  We just weren't meant to live in the cold, I suppose.  (And we also weren't meant to live in the sun, as we burn ridiculously easily, so really, I'm not sure where we are meant to live).

In any event, OTC Safety has a great article about how to protect your skin in the winter (you can click here for the link).  And if you are using any moisturizers or lotions, be sure to check the drug facts label to be sure of the ingredients and safe application.

Here are some additional tips below (click to enlarge) - stay warm!

Disclosure: I received compensation for this post as part of the CHPA OTC Safety Ambassador Program.  All the opinions reflected here are my own.