Winter really can wreak havoc on the skin — it makes it dry, itchy, and irritated. The cold and blustery conditions outside can leave your skin feeling raw, while indoor heat zaps moisture from the air and from your skin.
Even the things that make winter wonderful, such as cozying up by the fireplace, can dry your skin. And though taking a hot shower might seem like a treat, hot water dries out your skin by stripping it of its natural oils.
Enjoying winter does not mean that your skin will need to suffer though, here are some ways to keep your skin looking and feeling fresh and rejuvenated all winter long.
Keep the Heat Low in Your Home
When it’s chilly outside, what’s the first thing you want to do? Crank up the heat of course! But central heat can make the air in your house even drier. Try setting the thermostat at a cool yet comfortable setting of 68°F to 72°F to maintain healthy skin.
Pump Up the Moisture Around You
Be it inside your home or outside, the air is drier in winter. And as a result, water evaporates from your body easily. Hence, you need to keep your skin hydrated. Install a humidifier to manage the moisture level in your home. This will certainly keep your skin happy.
Avoid Long, Hot Showers
Indulging in a long and hot shower may feel nice but your skin will thank you if you take 5 to 10-minute lukewarm shower or bath instead. You should also avoid using excessively hot water when washing your hands — if the water causes your skin to turn red, it’s too hot. Wash your hands in cooler water as it appears to be as effective at removing germs as warm water and is less irritating to skin.
Exfoliate Less
Exfoliation which is a process that removes dead skin from the body, can lead to smoother and brighter skin in the winter. Though if done too often or incorrectly, can cause more harm than good. Make sure to find a product matched for your skin type and works effectively on dry skin. Always be mindful on how you treat your skin and, after exfoliating, never miss to apply moisturizer immediately. Your skin will be love you for it.
Modify Your Facial Skin-Care Regimen for the Season
During winter, choose cream-based cleansers, try to avoid products that contain alcohol which can further dry your skin. In order to help skin retain its natural oils, stop using products that contain alcohol and fragrances when your skin is dry and itchy. At night time, use a richer moisturizer on your face.
Love up your lips, apply a moisturizing balm that can help heal dry, cracked lips and keep them from getting chapped.
Take Special Care of Your Hands and Feet
The skin on your hands has fewer oil glands as compared to the skin on any other body part. That’s why moisture escapes from your hands quickly, making them prone to cracks and itchiness. Apply a moisturizer before you go out. In addition to applying hand cream, wearing gloves on chilly days will protect your hands from the negative effects of cold, winter air. Our hands are the first to indicate dry skin. Gloves prevent cracked skin and brittle nails.
Your feet are trapped in thick socks and even thicker boots all winter long. But just because your toes are hidden away from the world doesn’t mean they don’t deserve some tender love and care. Dry conditions can lead to cracked, rough skin, and your feet can pay the price if neglected. If you want smooth feet all year long, apply a thick foot cream after showering and before bed.
Use Sunscreen
A common misconception is that sunscreen should only be applied on sunny summer days when you’re out at the beach or by the pool. If you plan to be out a lot and participate in winter activities like skiing or snowboarding, sunscreen is a necessity. Sunlight is the greatest source of ultraviolet (UV) radiation, the main cause of skin cancer. If sunlight bounces off a surface, it can increase UV exposure. Snow’s ability to reflect 80% of the sun’s UV light, doubles harmful exposure and increases the risk of damage to your skin. Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher on exposed skin to protect your body.
Dress Accordingly
Many cold-weather fabrics can aggravate dry winter skin. Wool and rough clothing should be kept from directly touching your skin as this can cause dry skin to get irritated and itchy.
Wear light layers made from soft, breathable materials directly against your skin instead, then finish up with your heavy wool sweaters. Don gloves or mittens for your hands needed protection from the cold winter air, but don’t forget to pick ones that won’t irritate your skin.
Don’t Ditch the Sunglass
This is especially for those who live in places where it snows heavily. The glare from the sun and snow can harm the skin around your eyes and cause brown spots, fine lines, and other issues. So, whenever you step outside, make sure that you wear good quality UV protected sunglasses.
Change Out of Wet Clothes Quickly to Avoid Itchy Skin
Wearing wet clothes and shoes can further irritate your skin and cause itchiness. If gloves, socks, and pants become wet, be sure to remove them as soon as possible.
Remember to Eat Right and Stay Hydrated
Drink the minimum 8 glasses of water a day to keep hydrated since water evaporates easily from our bodies during winter. Consumption of omega-3 or omega-6 fatty acids rich food, such as fish oil and flaxseed oil can help when skin is very dry, according to Barbara R. Reed, MD, a dermatologist at Denver Skin Clinic. However, it is important to help the skin stay moisturized from the outside as well.
Skin Care, Botox, and Fillers in Manhattan and Long Island
Skin is important to James Christian Sardelli, RPA-C. His career is devoted to helping people not only feel better about themselves, but to also beautify their skin. This is why he offers many services and injectable products to help smooth away wrinkles and rejuvenate the face.
Contact him today for more information on how you can keep your skin looking beautiful throughout the year with his exceptional aesthetic services. Free consultations can be scheduled by calling or texting/calling his Cosmetic Concierge line at 917-860-3113.
James Christian Cosmetics provides the latest and greatest Botox & fillers to residents of Suffolk County and the surrounding areas of Long Island and beyond including Manhattan, Commack, West Sayville, Rockville Centre, West Hampton Beach, Farmingdale, Babylon Village, and Islip, New York.
*Information in this article is not medical advice and may not be factually accurate. It is intended for entertainment purposes only. Consult with a physician before attempting any tips in this blog post and to get the most up to date factual data about any procedure or treatment.
