Winter Skincare Best Practices

Oh the Weather Outside is Frightful, but your Skin can still be Delightful! 🎶❄️. Not all winter flakes come from snow. The cold weather, coupled with low humidity, can damage our skin, leading to dryness and flakiness. In addition to the drier air, indoor heating strips moisture from our skin, resulting in what is often called winter itch.

Maintaining healthy skin is crucial, not just for aesthetic reasons, but because skin plays vital roles in protecting the body from daily exposure to viruses and bacteria, as well as harmful UV rays from the sun. Healthy skin also enhances our ability to sense important changes in our environment, such as pain or pressure. The winter months can significantly impact skin health, leading to conditions like xerosis (dry skin) or eczema (itchy, red patches) that can range in severity.

To help your skin survive the winter, consider these 10 Winter Skicare Best Practices:

1. Moisturize Daily: Use petroleum or cream-based moisturizers, which are more effective than lotions for normal to dry skin. If you have sensitive skin, opt for fragrance-free and lanolin-free products. Apply moisturizer to damp skin after bathing to lock in moisture.

   
   

2. Cleanse Wisely: Avoid over-cleansing, as it can strip the skin of natural oils. It’s sufficient to wash your face, hands, feet, and skin folds once a day. Rinsing other areas can be done daily, but using soap is not necessary every time.

   
   

3. Limit Hot Water and Soap: If you experience winter itch, take short, lukewarm showers or baths with a gentle, non-irritating cleanser. Afterward, apply a thick cream or petroleum jelly moisturizer and gently pat your skin dry.

   
   

4. Use a Humidifier: Dry air can sap moisture from your skin, so using a room humidifier can help. Be sure to clean it regularly and follow the manufacturer’s guidelines to prevent mold and bacteria growth.

   
   

5. Shield from the Wind: Protect your face and use a petroleum-based lip balm. Skin protectants containing petroleum and ceramides are also effective.

   
   

6. Avoid Extreme Cold: Very cold temperatures can lead to skin issues or frostbite. Seek medical attention if you notice color changes or pain in your hands or feet, or if you experience severe pain and numbness in your fingers or toes, which may indicate frostbite.

   
   

7. Guard Against Sun Exposure: Remember that winter sun can be harmful, too. Use sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher if you’ll be outdoors for extended periods to prevent premature aging and skin cancer.

   
   

8. Steer Clear of Tanning Beds: Artificial tanning methods can harm your skin and increase cancer risk. If you want to maintain a summer glow, consider using self-tanners with added moisturizer, as these can also cause dryness.

   
   

9. Take Vitamin D Supplements: Sun exposure in the summer boosts natural vitamin D production, but this decreases in winter. Supplements can help maintain adequate vitamin D levels year-round.

   
   

10. Consult a Dermatologist: If you experience persistent dry skin, scaling, itching, rashes, or concerning growths, see a dermatologist at any time of the year, not just in winter.