Winter is here! It’s time to change your skin care routine as the cold climate and dry indoor air during winter can take its toll on your skin…face and body!
For many people, caring for your skin during winter takes just a little extra effort due to outdoor and indoor conditions. As our skin serves as a protective barrier, it needs extra care and attention to deal with the cold air, wind, sun reflecting off snow, and low humidity that robs our skin of moisture. Let us not forget, our indoor environment keeps us warm and toasty, but it also dries out our skin! These environmental conditions, combined with your personal hygiene regimen, can lead to dry flaky, itchy, and dull-looking skin.
Dr. Rebecca Baxt, board-certified dermatologist, shares her top five winter skin care tips that will help you keep your skin healthy, moisturized, and radiant during the winter season.
Five Essential Winter Skin Care Tips
#1 Moisturize!
It is always best to moisturize as soon as you leave the shower or bath to lock in the moisture on damp skin. Severe hand and wrist dryness is a condition that results from over-washing, so make sure that you moisturize your hands every time you wash.
#2 Use Cream Instead of Lotion
Creams are thicker than lotions. Ointments are thicker than creams. If your skin is raw use an ointment like Vaseline or Aquaphor which will be soothing and not burn on irritated skin like a cream or lotion would. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends that people with dry skin looking for moisturizers that contain these ingredients: dimethicone. glycerin, hyaluronic acid, oils, such as jojoba oil and mineral oil, lanolin, petrolatum, and shea butter.
#3 Avoid Long, Hot Showers
The natural oils your skin produces help to protect it and keep it healthy. It is a good idea to take short and not extremely hot showers. Showers are actually better than baths for your skin because sitting in hot soapy water is very drying. After bathing or showering, pat dry and moisturize your damp skin.
#4 Reduce Your Exfoliating Routine
Do not scrub with soap, only use soap where you need it such as hands feet groin armpits and face. Use a mild soap and fingertips or washcloth but do not scrub…unless you’ve been rolling in the mud!
#5 Yes, You Still Need Sunscreen!
Don’t forget sunscreen when outside! On especially sunny days the sun will reflect off the snow and can give you a sunburn. As part of your morning routine, add a layer of sunscreen after you apply your face cream.
Following these five tips should help your skin stay hydrated and moisturized. However, for people with severely dry and cracked skin, you may have a broken skin barrier which will take time to heal and may need to consult a dermatologist. Also, if you have a skin condition like rosacea, psoriasis, eczema, acne, or other concerns, don’t hesitate to schedule a skin care consultation with Dr. Rebecca Baxt.
Contact us today to schedule your consultation with Dr. Rebecca Baxt.
Read More Skin Care Tips From Dr. Rebecca Baxt!
For more expert tips about skin care, check out these blog posts and articles:
“Really, Vaseline as a Moisturizer? Learn More about the Concept of Slugging.”
“Introducing SKINVIVE™ by JUVÉDERM®!”
Media Interview, Today, “Dry Winter Skin”
Media Interview, Advanced Media for NJ.com, “How to Repair Cracked Skin as Temperature Change”
Media Interview, Insider.com, “Cheap Versions of Expensive Skincare Products that Work Just as Well”
Media Interview, Today.com, “The 16 Best Body Lotions For Dry Skin, According To Dermatologists”
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