As the winter months begin to approach, you notice a change as your skin loses moisture due to temperature drops. Colder weather not only dries out skin and causes cracking and redness, but it can trigger pre-existing conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, or acne. To avoid dry skin or other conditions, It is important to make sure you are properly caring for your skin during the winter months. Here are the top ten winter skin care tips.
1. Moisturize Frequently
Moisturizing is one of the most important steps you can do for your skin in the winter because the air is so much drier. Making sure you are moisturizing your skin frequently will save you from dryness and irritation. Use a moisturizer that is right for your skin type and apply it after every shower or bath. When searching for a moisturizer, try to find a richer moisturizer with ingredients such as hyaluronic acid or petrolatum to seal the moisture.
2. Avoid Spending a Long Time in Hot Water
While a hot shower or bath during the wintertime is enjoyable, it can actually harm your skin. When you spend too much time in a hot shower or bath, it can deplete your moisture level and dry out your skin. This can trigger skin conditions or cause itchy, flaky, or cracked skin. To retain moisture, bathe or shower in either warm or cold water, pat your skin dry with a towel, and moisturize your entire body.
3. Switch Up Your Face Cleanser
To protect your natural skin barrier and keep your skin moisturized, swap out your facial cleanser for an oil-based cleanser. Rather than alcohol or water-based cleansers, oil-based cleansers are gentle on the skin and do not strip the skin of its natural oils. The best facial cleansers for the winter include ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, botanical oils, ceramides, vitamin C, and glycerin.
4. Drink Water
It is important to drink plenty of water all year round, but especially during the winter months. When you are not properly hydrated, it can show on your skin in the form of dryness, itchiness, and flakiness. Drinking at least eight glasses of water a day will promote skin health and keep your skin healthy and hydrated from the inside out.
5. Wear Sunscreen
You might not think you need to wear sunscreen in the winter because there is less sun, but surprisingly, the sun can still affect your skin even on the coldest of days. During the winter months, the sun’s harmful UV rays can still penetrate through the clouds and damage your skin. Wearing a daily sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher will help to protect your skin from the sun’s harmful rays and prevent premature aging.
6. Invest In a Humidifier
If you live in an area with a lot of winter weather, chances are your home is also dry. The dry air inside your home can actually be worse for your skin than the cold air outside. To combat this, invest in a humidifier to add moisture back into the air. This will help to keep your skin hydrated and prevent it from becoming dry, cracked, or irritated.
7. Avoid Exfoliating
Too much exfoliating is important to help remove dead skin cells and keep your skin looking its best. However, during the winter months, you should avoid exfoliating too much as it can actually damage your skin. Stick to exfoliating a few times a week with either a physical or chemical exfoliator. Physical exfoliators such as scrubs can be harsh on the skin and strip it of its natural oils. If you have sensitive skin but still wish to exfoliate, opt for a chemical exfoliator instead.
8. Don't Forget To Hydrate Your Lips
Your lips are just as susceptible to the winter weather as the rest of your skin. Just like your skin, your lips lose moisture with a lack of proper hydration, especially during the winter season. To prevent dry, chapped lips, make sure you are using a lip balm or ChapStick that contains ingredients such as beeswax, petroleum jelly, or Shea butter. Apply the lip balm to your lips frequently throughout the day, especially before bedtime.
9. Eat a Nutritious Diet
Eating a healthy diet is important for your overall health, but it can also help to improve the appearance of your skin. Foods that are rich in antioxidants, fatty acids, and vitamins can help to nourish and protect your skin from the inside out. Include plenty of fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds in your diet to reap the benefits of healthy skin all winter long.
10. See a Dermatologist
If you are struggling with persistent dryness, itchiness, or irritation, it is important to see a dermatologist. A dermatologist can help to identify the underlying cause of your skin issues and provide you with treatment options. They can also recommend products that will be best for your skin type and provide you with tips on how to care for your skin, especially during the winter months.
If you're struggling with dry winter skin and are in search of skin regeneration, request an appointment with The Colorado Center for Health and Longevity today!
