How To Prevent Dull, Dry Skin This Winter

Tis the season for dry skin! With the colder air and lack of humidity during the winter, it can seem almost impossible to avoid dry, itchy, red, skin­–especially on your face. However, by making a few changes to your daily routine you can fight off dull, dry skin this winter. Though moisturizing is key for the winter, we have a few other suggestions for you to keep you feeling hydrated and beautiful throughout this holiday season.

Adjust your shower routine

Though long hot baths and showers can be tempting with the cold weather, they can melt away the protective oils from your skin leaving your skin feeling tight and dry. Instead, limit your shower time to under 15 minutes and use warm water instead.

Using moisturizing cleansers and soaps will help to add extra moisture back into your skin. Liquid cleansers and soaps are generally more moisturizing than traditional bar soap. Avoid using heavily perfumed soaps as they often contain alcohol which will dry your skin out with overuse.

Dead, dry skin won’t give you that radiant glow that you are searching for, so exfoliating is the key to achieving brighter skin. Be sure to exfoliate your face with a gentle facial scrub and your body with a textured sponge to remove dead skin. Exfoliate about two to three times a week to help you reveal healthier, silky skin.

After your shower or bathe, pat your body down instead of vigorously rubbing to prevent stripping and rubbing off oils.

Moisturize daily

Ointments, creams, and lotions work by trapping existing moisture into your skin, so the ideal time to apply a moisturizer is immediately after bathing or showering. Typically your morning moisturizer should be lighter than your night one, but you may find yourself needing extra moisture during the day to combat the drier air during the winter months.

Adding a serum along with your daily moisturizer can help you achieve a healthier, more supple appearance. Serums are lightweight and full of concentrated ingredients that target areas deep into your skin, allowing for a fully rejuvenating experience.

Skin products and facials

With colder temperatures outside, the last thing you may want to do is wash your face with cold water in the morning. However, cold water will help you lock in moisture more effectively than hot water.

Your skincare routine and products may need to change as some products may be too harsh during the winter, even if they are fine during other seasons. Buying anti-aging, moisturizing, regenerating, hydrating products can help encourage your skin to be healthier and produce a glowing complexion. Be mindful of your skin type when selecting products to prevent dryness, tightness, or breakouts.

If you haven’t gotten into face masks, now is a great time. A variety of masks can be found at local stores, and each mask works toward a different goal so you can pick one that’s right for you. Using a hydrating, purifying, moisturizing, or rejuvenating face mask can help bring life, moisture, and a youthful glow back to your skin. Sheet masks are a convenient and effective method of achieving noticeably smoother and healthy skin in the comfort of your own home. All you have to do is cleanse your skin, apply the mask, leave on for the suggested amount of time, remove, and ta-da!

You can also visit us for treatment! We have a variety of services to offer you that can give you that dewy glow that you’ve been desiring for the holiday season.

Hydrate and protect your body

You may not realize it, but if you are dehydrated, the rest of your body will show signs of dehydration and this includes your skin. If you drink more caffeine than water but want healthy skin, change your habit and drink at least 8 glasses of water a day to keep you feeling and looking hydrated.

Even though summer is over, the danger of UV light damage is always present. It doesn’t matter if it’s cloudy, rainy, or a winter wonderland outside, UV rays can cause irreversible damage to your skin. Make it a habit to protect yourself daily by wearing a minimum of SPF 30 on its own or with a moisturizer to fully prevent premature aging, pigmentation change, sunburn, and dark spots.

Take care of your hands and lips

The hands are often the first place we notice dry skin, you can work to prevent this by moisturizing after each wash and wearing gloves. Gloves are an essential part of a winter wardrobe, but they are more than a fashion accessory. They work to keep your hands looking soft and supple. Be sure to wear gloves anytime you go outdoors or may be exposed to colder temperatures, harsh wind, and water as these factors contribute to dry skin.

Moisturize your hands after every wash to prevent them from becoming red, cracked, dry, or raw.

Having chapped or cracked lips is a common sign of dryness and dehydration. Invest in a good lip balm that will keep your lips hydrated all season long.

Dress right

Though the cold weather has us bundling up, sometimes those extra layers can irritate your skin or leave it feeling dry and itchy. Avoid irritation by dressing in a smart way.

• Avoid wool - Wool clothing is popular during the winter for added thickness and warmth, however, the fiber is notoriously itchy and can easily irritate and dry your skin. If you decide to wear wool, be sure to wear a thin cotton underlayer to prevent irritation.
• Layers - Wear breathable layers of cotton clothing to keep an even body temperature and prevent skin irritation. Start with a thin cotton layer to help wick away moisture and prevent chafing, then add several thin layers. Adding or removing light layers are better than a couple of thick layers.
• Coats - Always carry a coat during the winter to keep your body from being exposed to the frigid air. The material of the overcoat can vary as it will not be in direct contact with your skin.
• Hats and scarves - Topping off your winter outfit with a hat and scarf will protect exposed areas such as the neck and ears.

Humidify your home

A lack of humidity in the air and the heat from fireplaces or heaters can dry your skin out even more. Add humidity back into the air by investing in-room humidifiers to keep humidity levels at a comfortable limit within your house.

Having smooth, soft, glowing skin doesn’t have to be a fantasy or something on your Christmas wish list. With these tips and suggestions, you can notice dramatic results. For personalized routines, we encourage you to visit our office this holiday season. We offer a variety of treatments designed to help you achieve the best complexion possible. If you want to learn more about how to combat dry skin this winter, contact Dermatology and Skin Health today.