The winter is upon us and has brought its signature cold weather with it. The first place you’ll feel its effects is on your skin. Protecting your skin in colder weather is certainly a challenge. You just have to be dedicated and prepared with the right routine and products, and you should be all set. Soft, supple skin is in your future, whether you have scars or simply dry skin.
Why does cold weather do a number on skin? It’s abundant in dry indoor heat, which, you guessed it, brings cracked, bleeding skin on your hands and other body parts. If you have a pre-existing skin condition like eczema and psoriasis, these problems are worsened in winter. Scarring can also get worse if you fail to protect it in the colder months.
Follow These Six Steps
We have put together some steps to keeping your skin safe and protected this winter season.
1. Nix the Hot Water
Stay away from long, hot showers or baths. Yes, we know it’s relaxing to shower or bathe in very warm/borderline hot water (you know who you are!) but trust us when we say all that hot water and soap is very drying to the skin, preventing essential oils from infiltrating. Instead, go with warm water and moisturizing soaps.
2. Moisturize for the Season
Don’t assume that all moisturizers are the same and should be used year round. Summer moisturizers are lighter and often contain SPF. Winter moisturizers are thicker and heavier, with more moisturizing qualities to address all that dry skin from the cold weather. However, when it comes to your face, stay away from heavy, petroleum or oil-based formulas and go with ones that contain lipids to avoid breakouts. Got intensely dry skin? You’re best off with an emollient moisturizer that will keep moisture in – even through multiple hand washes.
3. Forget the Tanning Beds
Tanning beds are bad news. Many people hit tanning beds before a vacation or even worse, they go throughout the year thinking they will getsufficient vitamin D. Yes, we know how short, dark and cold the days of winter can be, but the damage you’re doing to your skin far outweighs the aesthetic benefits. Get your Vitamin D from foods and supplements. Don’t forget that UVA and UVB radiation can cause skin cancer.
4. Keep Sunscreen Handy
Just because it’s winter doesn’t mean the sun can’t harm you. Glare from snow as well as direct exposure to the sun itself just from being outside can give you a sunburn. Not only that, you’re still at risk of developing wrinkles and skin cancer. Apply sunscreen a half hour before heading outside in winter, especially to your face.
5. Keep up With Dermatologist Appointments
Got severely dry skin? Got scars that you want faded? What about a skin condition such as psoriasis? See your skin doctor. Your doctor can not only analyze your skin type, he or she can discuss your current skin care regimen and give you advice on the right products and frequency. If you are embarrassed about your acne, ask for an antibiotic prescription, which is more effective than over-the-counter creams. Let your doctor know if you have new moles or growths, or changes to growths already in existence. Also, if you have lesions that never seem to heal, let them know that too.
6. Keep Scarring to a Minimum
The best way to minimize scarring and to promote fading is to apply Scarfade on cuts and burns as soon as they start to heal. Do this diligently and you will notice a big difference in no time!