Skin doesn’t have to be dry and itchy this winter. Cold air and wind may wick away moisture during the autumn and winter months, but it’s easy to keep your skin hydrated with just a few steps before and after a soak in your spa.

1) Apply a thick moisturizer or balm to your face and neck before your soak

While you soak, most areas of your skin will be protected from the elements in the warm water of your spa. If it’s especially cold or windy out, though, you may choose to use a protective balm to help keep your face, neck, and lips comfortable. These can help prevent moisture loss from wind and the cold while you enjoy your time in your spa. Just remember to keep extra moisturizers on areas of the skin that won’t be in the water, because you don’t want extra lotions washing off into your hot tub water.

2) Set your spa temperature to around 100 degrees Fahrenheit

A comfortable 100-degree temperature is safe for all ages, plus it allows you to enjoy your spa longer without drying skin. Temperatures higher than 102 degrees may dry out skin that is already sensitive from the cold weather and elements. Setting it a few degrees lower allow you to still get all of the benefits of a warm water massage minus tight, uncomfortable skin.

3) Test your Water

Keeping water chlorine and pH levels within the standards recommended for your AquaRest Spa will protect the health of your skin (and your entire body). A spa solution like Dream Brite Water Solution is specifically designed to keep the water in your AquaRest Spa perfectly balanced and eliminates the need for products such as pH buffers, acids, salts and many others that can irritate skin.

4) Limit your soaks to 15-20 minutes

Year-round, we recommend limiting soak times for health and safety reasons. During the fall and winter, this advice has the added benefit of retaining moisture levels in your skin. A 15-20 minute soak will allow you to enjoy all the benefits of warm water and massage, helping your body relax as endorphins are naturally released.

5) Rinse off after your soak

Taking a lukewarm shower after your soak can remove water-balancing chemicals from your skin and prep it for a layer of moisturizer. According to WebMD, long, hot showers actually dry out your skin, so a rinse really is sufficient to clean of spa water without over-drying. Afterwards, pat skin dry (rubbing can cause tugging and irritation). Applying lotion while skin is still slightly damp can help it soak up the moisturizer even more.

Unwind in your hot tub without giving up your glow? Yes please! Simple steps make enjoying your hot tub in the winter soothing for your mind, your body… and now your skin.