Most people look forward to cooler winter weather every year, but they do not look forward to the dry skin that can potentially come along with it. Many people suffer from uncomfortable dryness to the skin on their faces, hands, and feet during cold weather, resulting in tight, dry skin that can flake, crack, and even become inflamed with eczema. Once indoors in the heat, your skin will immediately start to dry out. Here are a few tips brought to you by Premier Dermatology & Cosmetic Surgery to help keep your dry winter skin moist and healthy through the upcoming winter months.
Scheduling an appointment with an esthetician or dermatologist at Premier Dermatology is a great investment to learn more about the needs of your specific skin. Specialists can analyze your skin type, troubleshoot your current skin care regimen, and give you advice on the skin care products you should be using. This doesn’t mean you will have to spend tons of money on high-end products. Drug store products can be just as beneficial as long as you know what to use based on your skin’s needs.
Just because a specific moisturizer works great in the spring and summer does not mean that it will be as effective in the cooler winter months. As the weather changes, so should your skin care routine! Find a thicker “ointment” moisturizer that’s oil-based, rather than water-based, as the oil will create a protective layer on the skin that retains more moisture than a cream or lotion. But be cautious – not all oils are appropriate for the face. Look for “non-clogging” oils, like avocado oil, mineral oil, primrose oil, or almond oil. Shea oil, or butter, is controversial and not recommended.
Believe it or not, sunscreen isn’t just for the summertime! The winter sun and gusty wind, combined with snow glare, can still damage your skin. Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen to your face and hands before going outside, and reapply frequently if you are outside for a long amount of time.
Indoor central heating systems and space heaters that blast hot air throughout your home, office, or vehicle is harmful to the skin. Humidifiers get more moisture in the air, which helps prevent your skin from drying out. Place several small humidifiers throughout your home to help disperse the moisture more evenly.
Sure, soaking in a burning-hot bath feels great after being out in the cold, but the intense heat of a hot shower or bath actually breaks down the lipid barriers in the skin, which can lead to a loss of moisture. A lukewarm bath with oatmeal or baking soda can help relieve skin that is so dry it has become itchy. Also, everyone loves the feeling of a face mask or peel, but in the winter months, you should avoid using harsh peels, masks, and alcohol-based toners or astringents, all of which can strip vital oil from your skin. Instead, find a cleansing milk or mild foaming cleanser, a toner with no alcohol, and masks that are “deeply hydrating,” rather than clay-based, which tends to draw moisture out of the face.
At Premier Dermatology & Cosmetic Surgery, it is our goal to address all of your skin care needs under one roof by integrating medical, cosmetic, surgical, and aesthetic expertise with the highest standards of care and compassion. Our dermatologists, plastic surgeons, and aestheticians work collaboratively to integrate treatment plans that help you look and feel your best. To learn more about correcting your specific dry winter skin issues, contact us today to set up a consultation. We look forward to working with you!
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