Winter is Coming… Is Your Skin Ready?

The winter air increases dryness, flaking, chaffing and redness on your skin. The cold air will be here before you know it. There is no better time to get started on your winter skin regiment. Here are some tips to consider:

Invest in an oil-based moisturizer. These contain vitamins E & C and the oil creates a protective layer on the skin that retains more moisture than a cream or lotion. Many “night creams” are oil based. Be sure to avoid alcohol-based and water-based products, as they tend to dry our your skin.

Not all oils are appropriate for your face. Look for “non clogging” oils and always be sure that the oils in the product are healthy ones.

Use lukewarm water to bathe and avoid frequent long hot showers/baths. Hot water strips natural oils and causes skin to lose moisture.

Wear gloves to decrease skin exposure and dryness. The skin on your hands is thin and has few oil glands. It’s harder to keep your hands moist, especially in the winter weather.

Invest in a humidifier. They add extra moisture in the air and prevent your skin from drying out. Specifically use them at night, since skin dries out more during sleep than during the day. Placing several small humidifiers throughout your home can help disperse moisture evenly.

Grab the lotion after washing. Ointments, creams, and lotions work by trapping existing moisture in your skin. Always apply a moisturizer within a few minutes of drying off after a shower or bath and washing your face or hands.

Maintain a healthy diet and drink a lot of water. Include omega-3 fatty acids in your diet to keep skin healthy. Drinking a lot of water keeps you hydrated from the inside out.

Protect your lips. Choose and wear a lip balm that feels good on your lips. Use moisturizing lip balms that contain sunscreen and apply liberally throughout the day.

Use sunscreen. Although you can’t feel the warmth of the sun in the winter, its UVA and UVB rays are still very strong. The winter sun combined with snow glare can damage your skin. Try a broad-spectrum sunscreen to any exposed areas about 30 minutes before going outside.

Exfoliate at least twice a week to get rid of dry skin. Dry skin builds up and when you moisturize, you are re-hydrating dead skin. Exfoliating eliminates the dead skin cells and keeps the top layer of your skin as fresh and absorbent as possible.

Use the right body wash. Avoid scented body washes and go for fragrance-free moisturizing bars instead.