Dropping temperatures bring hot chocolate, snowball fights, and dry skin, if you’re not careful. As temperatures drop, so does the humidity. Naturally, this dehydrates skin and can cause symptoms from itchy skin to painful, cracked lips. While each person’s skin is different, cold weather negatively impacts all types of skin.
Don’t let this year’s dry air wreak havoc on your skin. Maintain health this winter by adhering to the following winter skin care tips given from dermatologists at Tanner Clinic:
ADD MOISTURE TO THE AIR
Since winter dehydrates skin quickly, it’s important to keep moisture in the air at your home. A humidifier is the go-to way to prevent dryness. Humidifiers release water vapor into the air, maintaining hydration throughout your living space. If you’ve excessively heated your home in past winters, a humidifier could offer a good balance for the future.
MODIFY YOUR WINTER SKIN CARE ROUTINE
Switching up your skin care routine can be essential during cold months. While fragrant soaps, toners, and astringents are popular during summer, they may not be the best choice for winter. Astringents and soaps with fragrances often contain alcohol and other ingredients which can aggravate and irritate the skin.
A handy trick for dry skin is to use mild products. For both hands and face, gentle products can repair and protect the skin. Using a hydrating, cream-based cleanser helps skin retain natural oils through the dry winter. If you have extremely dry skin, the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) recommends cleansing your face “just once a day, at night.” Rather than cleansing in the morning, simply rinse your face with cool water.
LOWER YOUR THERMOSTAT
Did you crank up your thermostat as soon as the outdoor temperature dropped? If so, your skin may be suffering. Central heat can intensify the dehydrating effects of winter. Keep your skin hydrated by maintaining a cool yet comfortable temperature indoors, between 68°F and 72°F. Not only will it help your skin, it’ll decrease your monthly heating bill too.
UPGRADE YOUR SKIN MOISTURIZER
Moisturizers are a necessity during the dry winter months. Even if you have oily skin, it’s important to moisturize between two and three times a day. Preserve your healthy skin by using ointments and creams rather than lotions.
LIMIT TIME IN THE SHOWER OR BATHTUB
Let’s face it: after a chilly winter day, there’s nothing more relaxing than a warm bath or shower. However, those long, hot showers and baths can have negative effects on skin. Hot water removes natural oils more quickly, leaving you with cracked and itchy skin. Additionally, spending more than 15 minutes in the shower can leave the skin less hydrated than before. Our dermatologists recommend taking a 5 – 10 minute lukewarm shower to preserve your skin’s moisture. Pat your skin dry with a soft towel and moisturize immediately.
Don’t wash your hands in hot water, either. While it’s vital to frequently wash your hands during cold and flu season, constant washing with hot water dries out the skin fast. Use a moisturizing hand cream after each wash to avoid dry or cracked skin.
SUNSCREEN IS A NECESSITY FOR SUMMER AND WINTER SKIN CARE
Once it gets too cold for sunbathing and pool days, it’s tempting to set your sunscreen on the shelf until next summer. However, the use of sunscreen is just as important during the winter as it is in the summer. According to the World Health Organization, snow reflects up to 80% of UV radiation, intensifying its harmful effects on the skin. Even on a gray day, the sun can penetrate through the clouds and easily damage skin.
Whether snowshoeing through rough terrain, shredding down the slopes, or walking through a winter wonderland, make sunscreen a top priority. Daily application of a broad-spectrum sunscreen will protect your skin from signs of aging and even skin cancer.
AVOID WEARING ROUGH MATERIALS
Low outdoor temperatures indicate the beginning of sweater weather. While sweaters are warm and comfortable, some sweater fabrics can be irritating to sensitive skin. To prevent aggravating your skin, consider wearing cotton or synthetic materials rather than rough wool. However, if you’re itching to wear your favorite wool sweater, try layering a soft cotton tee underneath for added protection.
SEE A SKIN CARE SPECIALIST
Often, the harmful effects of winter can’t be reversed by buying a new moisturizer. Additionally, very dry skin may be indicative of a more serious skin condition and may require a prescription ointment or cream. The best way to ensure the health of your skin is by seeking help from a dermatologist who can assess the problem and make a professional recommendation. Luckily, the dermatologists at the Tanner Clinic are trusted professionals who can help you achieve your best winter skin yet. Contact us today or visit our website to schedule an appointment.
