Winter is notorious for being cold, but even worse – dry! All that dry air leads to chapped skin, on your feet, hands, and face. So, how can you prevent dry skin from happening to you this winter?
Here are some helpful tips to keep your skin smooth and supple as the temps dip lower and lower.
See a Dermatologist
If you have bad cracked, dry skin every winter, schedule your annual visit to a dermatologist for tips. Your doctor can analyze your skin type, examine your current skin care regimen, and give you advice on the best skin care products you should use for optimal results.
Moisturize
The critical component to combating dry skin is continual moisturizing. You may have found a moisturizer that works great in summer but you’ll need something different for winter. That’s because your skin needs change as the weather changes. Look for an ointment type of moisturizer that’s oil-based, not water-based, in order to create a protective layer on the skin that locks in more moisture than a cream or lotion can. Concentrate your search on “night creams,” which happen to be oil-based.
That said, look for “non-clogging” oils when it comes to facial moisturizers, such as avocado, mineral, primrose or almond oils. You don’t want to clog sensitive facial pores.
Use Sunscreen
You may think sunscreen is only for the summer, but you’d be wrong. Winter sun and snow glare can all cause sun burns. Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen on your face and hands a half hour before heading outside.
Wear Gloves
Because the skin on your hands is thinner than other parts of the body, with fewer oil glands, it’s harder to retain moisture in those appendages. Wear gloves when going outside, but avoid damp gloves because they can cause itching, irritation, sores and even eczema flare-ups.
Use a Humidifier
Central heating systems rob the air of moisture, which is why you have to replenish that moisture through the use of a humidifier. Disperse the moisture more evenly with several small strategically-placed units throughout the home.
Apply Lotion to Your Feet
You may be diligent about moisturizing your hands, but do your feet get the same attention? Probably not. Look for lotions that contain petroleum jelly or glycerine. Apply lotion after exfoliating your feet periodically to shed the dead skin, which will consequently help the moisturizers sink into your skin faster and deeper.
Avoid Facial Peels
Stay away from harsh peels, face masks, and alcohol-based toners or astringents, all of which can rob oils and nutrients from your skin. Try a cleansing milk or mild foaming cleanser, a toner sans alcohol, and hydrating masks over clay-based ones, which draw moisture out of the skin.
Avoid Hot Baths
There’s nothing better than soaking in a hot tub in the winter. However, that intense heat will break down lipid barriers in the skin, which results in loss of moisture, says WebMD. Take a lukewarm bath with oatmeal or baking soda and don’t stay in too long.
Treat Your Wounds
If you have a cut or burn, apply Scarfade as directed to reduce the chance of scarring. This topical treatment is medically-proven to help the body slow down production of collagen and reduce scars.
With these tips, soon you will be on your way to soft, supple skin this winter!