The winter months bring holidays, time with family, and good food. They also bring strong winds and cold temperatures that can wreak havoc on your skin. Cold weather is known to dry out the skin and lead to redness, irritation, and flaking.
This winter, try these eleven tips for keeping your skin healthy in the cold:
1. Apply Moisturizer Daily
The most important tip for keeping your skin healthy in the winter is applying a good moisturizer.
Many people think that heavier is better when it comes to winter moisturizer, but this is only sometimes the case. A light moisturizer with beneficial ingredients should be sufficient when applied twice daily. If you have severely dry or cracked skin, then a creamier, heavier moisturizer may be necessary.
2. Use a Humidifier in Your Home
If you live in a cold climate, you likely use a heater in your home throughout the winter months. Having a heated home is comfortable, but it can dry out your skin and lead to irritation.
To combat dryness in the air, use a humidifier in whichever room you spend most of your time in. This will add moisture to the air in your home and help keep your skin from drying out.
3. Limit Your Time Outdoors
Another way to ease the effects of winter cold on your skin is by limiting time outdoors. Cold air has a tendency to strip the skin of its natural moisture, rendering it more susceptible to irritation and redness. Try to reduce the amount of time you spend outdoors and cover exposed skin as much as possible.
4. Cover Up
While limiting your time outdoors is recommended, it is not always possible to stay indoors throughout the winter. So many winter activities take place outside, and there will be times your skin is exposed to the cold weather.
If you know that you will be spending time outdoors, wear clothing and accessories that will cover up as much of your skin as possible. This will protect your skin from harsh cold and strong gusts of wind.
5. Wear Sunscreen
Most people associate sunburns and UV exposure with the heat of summertime. The reality is that sun damage can still occur in the cold winter months.
Any time that your skin is exposed to the sun, it can incur sun damage. If you are going to be spending time outside, make sure to apply a light sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher to protect your skin.
6. Apply Lip Balm
You may not consider them as part of skincare, but your lips are one of the most delicate areas of your body and should be included in your skincare routine.
Lips are especially vulnerable during the cold winter months, often becoming chapped and cracked. To avoid lip irritation, apply a nourishing lip balm or chapstick throughout the day.
7. Wash Your Face Twice a Day
Since winter months can dry out the skin, some people make the mistake of washing their faces less to keep them moisturized.
While frequent washing can dry out your skin, it is essential that you still wash your face twice daily. This will remove any bacteria and debris that can accumulate and clog your pores. After washing your face, apply sunscreen and moisturizer to keep the skin hydrated.
8. Use a Mild Cleanser
To help keep your skin moisturized, use a more mild cleanser during the winter months. A gentle cleanser with nourishing ingredients will not strip your skin as much as strong cleansers with exfoliation can. Try to use a mild face wash that does not contain harsh soaps or acids during this time.
9. Visit a Skincare Specialist
When the weather gets cold, your skin may be in need of some extra love and care. The winter months are a great time to visit a skincare specialist and get a nourishing facial or other aesthetic treatment.
These treatments can dive deep beneath the surface of your skin and provide benefits that topical products cannot. Your skincare specialist can also inform you of the best creams, moisturizers, and cleansers to ease any cold weather irritation.
10. Wear Soft Clothing
During the winter, you will be wearing long sleeves, pants, scarves, and hats to keep your skin warm and covered.
Since these items will be in contact with your skin for long periods of time, make sure to choose fabrics and materials that are not irritating. Wearing smooth, soft fabrics will help keep your skin comfortable without causing rashes, irritation, itching, or other issues.
11. Apply Body Lotion
A common mistake throughout the year is focusing only on your facial skin and ignoring the rest of your body. This is especially an issue during the winter months.
The skin on your body is just as important as your facial skin and should be treated with the same care. To keep your skin healthy, use a mild body wash and apply a nourishing moisturizer every day.
Learn More About Proper Skincare
If you are looking for comprehensive skincare services, look no further than the Wisconsin Institute of Plastic Surgery. With our team of dermatology physician assistants, our offices can treat a number of skin conditions.
Our skincare providers bring a combined 34 years of experience to every patient, helping you get the care that your skin needs. For more tips on how you can care for your skin all year long, visit our blog today.
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