The harsh cold weather and dry indoor air in winter can leave the skin damaged and less than ideal. It becomes itchy, red, and irritated, and without proper skin care, your skin may not quickly recover from the impact of winter. So, here are some tips for incorporating into your skin care routine during winter to enable it to remain in top-notch condition:
Opt for Gentle Cleansers
Bar soaps strip the skin of its natural oils and disrupt the microbiome. If you have dry skin, consider using a gentle cleanser without a strong fragrance. Opt for cleaners labeled “for dry skin” or “dye-free,” as they often contain fewer ingredients that can dry out your skin. They also have moisturizing ingredients like shea butter, oats, oils, and hydraulic acid.
To get started, consider getting yourself the following:
- Alastin: It’s a unique blend of vitamins and moisturizers that enhance skin cleansing by removing impurities without irritating or drying the skin. The ingredients also calm, soothe, and soften the skin without upsetting its delicate moisturizing balance.
- Skinceuticals: A lot of research and innovation goes into making Skinceutical products, and the discovery sets the standard for antioxidant formulation. Trichloroacetic Acid forms the gold-standard ingredient in chemical peeling and is ideal for all skin types and tones. It removes dirt, makeup, excess oil, and dead skin cells without stripping the skin of its moisture. With prolonged use, Skinceuticals can improve visible signs of aging, uneven skin tone, and acne.
Invest in a Humidifier
During winter, outdoor air is typically drier and colder and holds onto less water. A humidifier in your home can restore moisture in the air, keeping your skin hydrated and supple. Run a humidifier in the rooms you spend most of your time in, aiming to keep the humidity levels between 30% and 50%. If you need clarification on the humidity levels, buy a humidity meter to enable you to monitor.
Use Warm Water for Showering
You want to take a long steamy shower when it’s chilly and windy, but this may only damage your skin. Hot water dries out the skin, and you’re better off taking a warm bath to prevent causing further damage to an already dry skin.
That also goes for your hands. If your hands turn red, itchy, and scaly when you use hot water, you should probably not use hot water to wash your hands. Cooler water is as effective as hot water in removing germs and is less irritating.
Moisturize your Skin Adequately
Your skin will appreciate an oil-based moisturizer in the winter, so invest in one. Get an overnight deep moisturizer treatment for more exposed skin parts like the elbows, lips, knees, hands, and face. Cover the areas with cotton gloves to hold the moisture and let it soak in all night.
Don’t Ditch Your Sunscreen
Even when the days are cold, the sun’s rays still reflect through the snow to your skin, multiplying your UV exposure. UV rays contribute to sunburns, skin cancer, premature skin aging, and wrinkles. That means that you need to apply sunscreen whenever you’re outdoors, like you usually do on hot sunny days.
Don’t let the dark, dreary days fool you into thinking you’re safe and can walk outdoors without skin protection. Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher with moisturizing ingredients and water resistance.
You Can Maintain Healthy Winter Skin With A Little Care
The skin has a natural inclination to draw moisture from the environment to keep itself hydrated, but this doesn’t happen during winter. The months have low humidity levels, exposing the skin to dryness and flaking. Taking steps to take care of your skin to protect it from drying out is crucial.
The above tips are a few things you can do to protect your skin. For more expert tips on skin and body care throughout the seasons, visit Dr. Apesos’s resource page for more insights. You can also contact us with your questions or to schedule a consultation.
The post Fall Back in Love with Your Skin: Taking Care of Your Skin During Winter appeared first on Dr. James Apesos.
