Winter is a time when many people’s skin starts to get dry and tight, even cracking and flaking. The cold days of winter and the dry indoor heating systems can affect people’s skin, reducing moisture and even resulting in eczema.
What winter skin care methods can help you avoid excessive dryness? Here are a few tips to ensure your skin is still bright and moist, no matter what the weather brings:
Use Moisturizer. It’s important to use moisturizer throughout the year, but for skin care in the winter, it’s best to find a moisturizer that’s oil-based, often labeled as an ointment. These moisturizers can create a protective layer to protect your skin. Look for non-clogging oils, such as avocado, mineral, primrose, or almond oil. Finding the heaviest possible lotion isn’t always the smartest idea. Be sure to match your lotion to your skin. Something too oily won’t work for you if you’re prone to acne. Talk to your pharmacist or skin care specialist about a winter moisturizer that will penetrate and hydrate your skin.
Talk to a Specialist. If you’re experiencing winter skin dryness, you may want to seek out a skin care specialist to help troubleshoot your issues. Taking a trip to a dermatologist or esthetician can help you better understand your skin, develop a better winter skin care regimen, and discover what kinds of skin care products you should be using. Specialists won’t always recommend expensive items either—they want to outfit you with a routine that will work best for your skin type, regardless of its price.
Always Use Sunscreen. A common consensus is that sunscreen is only necessary for the summertime. But even winter sun, especially when combined with snow glare, can damage your skin. Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen to your face and hands about half an hour before going outside. Reapply when necessary.
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| Sunscreen is vital to winter skin care, too. Source: cdc.gov |
Keep Your Space Moist with a Humidifier. Heating systems and space heaters blast hot, dry air throughout homes, apartments, and our offices, drying out the air we breathe and live in. Humidifiers release moisture into the air, preventing your skin from drying out. It’s not essential to have a humidifier in your workspace and bedroom, but placing several throughout the places where you spend the most time is most effective for aiding skin care during winter.
Don’t Stay in the Shower Too Long or Keep It Too Hot. It might feel nice to take a nice, long, hot shower after a tiring day of work, but water doesn’t hydrate your skin. The ideal temperature is lukewarm. Excessively hot water can dehydrate your skin, wash natural oils away, and dilate capillaries, resulting in redness. Take a cooler, shorter shower to keep your skin moist. Remember to moisturize right away while your pores are still open to maximize the moisturizer’s ability to penetrate your skin.
Conclusion. With the right winter skin care routine, there’s no reason to worry about dry skin. Keeping your skin moisturized is easy. If you use the right type of moisturizer, talk to a specialist, use a humidifier, wear sunscreen, and take short, lukewarm showers, you’re almost guaranteed to have soft skin this cold season. Your skin is a major organ of your body—use these winter skin care tips to help it out this winter, and it’ll return the favor.
