The winter season can be harsh. It’s tough on the roads, tough on the heating bills, and tough on the skin.
Cold temperatures, harsh winds, and dry air can all work to damage your skin. Many people report their skin feels more dry, irritated, raw and itchy during these conditions. Unfortunately, leaving the skin to suffer for the many months of winter can lead to accelerated aging in the skin, which is probably why many specialized plastic surgeons see a spike in clients come springtime.
While you can’t change the weather outside, there are several things you can do within the confines of your home during your daily routine that can help save your skin from the havoc of the cold conditions.
Here are some tips for keeping your skin healthy during the winter season.
Humidify the House
Winter can do a number on your skin between the cold, dry air outside and the dry recycled air from indoor heating.
Up to 60% of your body is water. Keeping the skin properly hydrated keeps it softer and more supple. When the skin is lacking proper moisture, we notice signs like chapped lips and itchy, dry patches of skin.
Investing in a humidifier can help to add moisture back into the air of your home, specifically areas you spend the most time in, like the living room or bedroom at night. This will help prevent the air from pulling moisture from your skin.
Humidifiers don’t just help with skin either, as they also help reduce the risk of airborne viruses from retaining and causing infection.
Avoid Scalding Showers
It might be tempting to twist the shower temperature to max heat after getting in from the cold or waking up on a chilly morning. Still, hot water can too thoroughly clean your skin, strip your skin of essential oils, and damage the keratin cells on the skin. This leads it to dry out further and cause irritation to your skin. It’s better to take a gentler warm shower that lasts no more than 5-10 minutes. After your shower, immediately (within a few minutes anyway) hydrate your skin once out of the shower to help lock in the moisture from the shower.
Winterize Your Skincare Routine
If you find your go-to skincare routine isn’t working for you during the winter season, it might be time to change up the products, at least until the warmer weather returns.
A heavier moisturizer may be required to help combat the daily dryer climate, at least during the nighttime routine. Things like toners should be reduced or cut out completely, as they can further dry out the skin.
Switching soap and face wash over to gentler and sensitive skin options may also help from drying the skin. Products containing fragrance and alcohol can strip your skin of oils and make it harder for your skin to produce new oil on the surface.
And of course, always keep a lip chap or balm on you, and apply it several times through the day to help prevent them from getting chapped and cracked.
