Don’t let old man winter ruin your holiday photos - you can help avoid the winter skin blues by following these skin prep tips for cold weather care.
Even if you’re not in a snowbound region, the change in seasons can be a rough time for your skin. In most areas, the winter season means low humidity and chilly temperatures, which can sap moisture from your skin and leave it irritated and unhealthy.
We’ve got some simple tips from home remedies to over-the-counter treatments for all types of winter skin perils.{relatedarticles}
Protect Against the Elements: Indoors and Outdoors
When the weather outside is frightful - and by frightful we mean cold and dry - pay attention to what it can do to your skin. Dermatologist Dr. Jessica Wu told EverydayHealth.com, “These conditions suck the moisture out of your skin, leaving it dull and dry, as well as itchy and irritated.” Saving your skin when you’re outside means covering it up and treating it topically.
Even though the temperatures may be too cold to tan, there’s still a risk of sunburn and UV damage. You’re still directly exposed to the sun’s rays, and sunlight reflected off snow can increase your exposure. Haven’t you ever heard of ‘snowburn’? If you’re going to be out under the winter sun, stick to sunscreen just as you would in the summer months. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends using sunscreen with at least SPF 30 protection.
Another good way to protect your skin from the cold, dry air is to bundle up. You’re probably already used to wearing a coat and long pants, but don’t forget to cover up your hands and neck, too. Wear gloves and protect your neck with a scarf. Your scarf can also cover the lips if you wear it high enough, and wearing a winter hat can protect your head - and your ears - from the cold air.{relatedarticles}
Focus on Keeping Skin Healthy
Unhealthy conditions are one of the main reasons your skin can appear dull and lackluster during the winter months. If your skin isn’t healthy on the inside, it won’t look good on the outside either. Replenish your skin by making sure it is getting the moisture and nutrients it needs.
Start out with good hydration for your entire body. While water isn’t a miracle cure for dry skin, it’s an essential nutrient that the American Skin Association lists as beneficial to the life of your skin. Your skin is full of pores and its elasticity is dependent on being properly hydrated. Drink plenty of water and look into using a daily moisturizer, preferably oil-based. Pay careful attention to areas that are most vulnerable like your face and hands.
Dr. Charles Zugerman is an associate professor of clinical dermatology at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine in Chicago. In an interview with the Milwaukee-Wisconsin Journal Sentinel, he recommended making a few small changes to your daily routine for healthy skin during the cold season. These include applying a medicated lotion after showering, drinking plenty of water and using a lip balm like Blistex Moisture Melt.
Skincare Products for Protection
Winter weather may have you battling dry, itchy and irritated skin. The cosmetics industry has made sure there’s a skincare product for every winter skin ailment. Moisturizers are one of the mainstays of healthy skin care during the colder months, but there are plenty of other products that may help, too.{relatedarticles}
When cleaning your skin, exfoliating is one of the best ways to remove dead, dry skin that can build up during the winter months. Renée Rouleau, a celebrity esthetician whose skin care line has been praised by Elle Magazine, notes on her website the importance of skin exfoliation, especially during winter when skin may be dry. She recommends increasing exfoliation to remove dry skin cells and then moisturizing the new skin cells underneath.
Serums are one way of helping protect your skin from moisture-sapping weather conditions like low humidity and artificial heat. Deborah Burnes, co-founder and CEO of the sumbody skincare company, suggested in an article written for Huffington Post using a serum with hyaluronic acid which helps form a protective barrier on your skin.
As for moisturizers, Burnes suggests those containing natural lipids and essential fatty acids, which are found in oils, such as avocado and evening primrose. These oils not only help hydrate your skin, but they can also help repair the damage that causes dry, cracked skin.
A Hot Shower Isn’t Always the Best Way to Warm Up
Even though a super hot shower may feel great on a cold winter morning, remember that scalding water is NOT normal for your skin. Pay attention to the temperature of your shower, bath, or hot tub and don’t risk suffering burns when trying to warm up this winter.{relatedarticles}
Canyon Ranch Resort esthetician Bonne LaPlante told WebMD, “You’re better off with just warm water and staying in the water a shorter amount of time.” This is because intense heat can break down the lipid barrier of your skin, which can create a loss of moisture and lead to dry, cracked skin.
Keeping your skin healthy during the colder months doesn’t need to be a chore if you take note of the changing weather and prepare accordingly. With a little extra effort to protect your skin you can keep that healthy, summer glow year-round!