Winter Brings Chilly Temperatures and Dry Air, Which Can Wreak Havoc on Your Skin. Contact St. Louis Dermatology & Cosmetic Surgery Today to Schedule an Appointment.
Winter brings chilly temperatures and dry air, which can wreak havoc on your skin. As the season progresses, you may notice dryness, flakiness, or even irritation. The good news? You can maintain hydrated, healthy skin all winter with the proper skincare routine and a few lifestyle tweaks.
Ready for a winter skincare upgrade? Contact us today to schedule an appointment.
Why Does Winter Affect Your Skin?
During winter, the air holds less moisture, and indoor heating systems can further strip humidity from your environment. These factors lead to a loss of moisture in your skin, causing dryness, irritation, and even exacerbating conditions like eczema or psoriasis.
Switch to a Gentle, Hydrating Cleanser
Your cleanser sets the foundation for your skincare routine. In winter, avoid harsh cleansers that can strip your skin of its natural oils.
What to look for:
- Creamy or oil-based cleansers
- Ingredients like glycerin or hyaluronic acid
- Fragrance-free formulas for sensitive skin
- Pro Tip: Double-check that your cleanser is non-foaming, as foaming agents can be drying.
Use a Humidifier
Combat dry indoor air by using a humidifier, especially in your bedroom. Aim to keep indoor humidity levels between 30 to 50%. This added moisture in the air helps prevent your skin from drying out while you sleep.
Exfoliate Wisely
Exfoliation removes dead skin cells, allowing your moisturizer to penetrate more effectively. However, over-exfoliating can harm your skin’s protective barrier, especially during winter.
Tips for winter exfoliation:
- Use a gentle exfoliant once or twice a week.
- Opt for chemical exfoliants (like lactic acid or PHAs) over harsh physical scrubs.
- Always follow up with a moisturizer to soothe your skin.
Layer on Moisture
Winter skin thrives on moisture, so it’s essential to layer your products for maximum hydration.
- Step 1: Apply a hydrating serum with hyaluronic acid, which attracts water to your skin.
- Step 2: Follow with a rich moisturizer to lock in hydration. Look for ingredients like ceramides, shea butter, or squalane.
- Step 3: Use an occlusive (like petroleum jelly or a balm) on arid areas, such as your lips and hands.
- Don’t forget: Apply moisturizer immediately after cleansing or showering to trap moisture in your skin.
Don’t Skip Sunscreen
Even though the sun feels weaker in winter, UV rays can still damage your skin. Snow can also reflect UV rays, increasing exposure.
Winter sunscreen tips:
- Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30.
- Apply it daily, even on cloudy days.
- Reapply every two hours if you’re outdoors for extended periods.
Stay Hydrated from Within
Drinking enough water is crucial for maintaining overall hydration. While water alone won’t solve dry skin, it supports your body’s natural hydration processes.
Additional tips:
- Incorporate hydrating foods like cucumbers, oranges, and watermelon.
- Limit diuretics like caffeine and alcohol, which can dehydrate your skin.
Protect Your Lips and Hands
Your lips and hands are particularly vulnerable to winter dryness.
Lip Care:
- Use a hydrating lip balm with beeswax, shea butter, or lanolin.
- Avoid licking your lips, as this can worsen dryness.
Hand Care:
- Wear gloves outdoors to protect against the cold and wind.
- Moisturize your hands after washing.
Consider Professional Treatments
If your skin feels persistently dry or irritated, professional treatments can provide relief and rejuvenation.
Popular winter treatments:
- Hydrating Facials: Boost moisture levels and improve skin texture.
- Chemical Peels: Remove dead skin cells and promote new skin growth.
- Microneedling with Hyaluronic Acid: Stimulates collagen and enhances hydration.
Adjust Your Shower Routine
Hot showers feel amazing in the winter, but they can strip your skin of its natural oils.
Tips for winter showers:
- Use lukewarm water instead of hot.
- Limit showers to 10-15 minutes.
- Apply moisturizer immediately after drying off to lock in hydration.
Contact St. Louis Dermatology & Cosmetic Surgery Today
Winter doesn’t have to mean dry, flaky skin. Proper care lets you keep your skin hydrated and healthy all season long. Adjust your routine, invest in quality skincare products, and consider professional treatments to keep your skin glowing, even in the coldest months.
Ready for a winter skincare upgrade? Contact us today to schedule an appointment.
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