Windy winter weather does a number on skin. Regardless of skin type, you probably experience some degree of dryness, itching, or peeling from the cold outdoors and the dry heat indoors. Men and women both suffer from the effects of winter weather, making a great winter skincare
routine a must have for everyone, especially when the days start getting shorter. Minimize the damage and seasonal discomfort with these tips for healthy, comfortable winter skin:
Moisturize Well and Often
You probably won’t be able to get away with using the same moisturizer that treated your skin right in warmer weather. Winter is a new ballgame and requires more intensive moisturizing that not only hydrates, but seals in moisture so that you’re not left high and dry halfway through your day.
In general, you need a quarter sized amount of moisturizer on your face and a golf ball sized dollop for your body. Always moisturize after a hot shower, which can leave your skin tight and dry, and then again as needed throughout the day.
Here’s a trick if you suffer with dry, cracked hands from avoiding the flu (i.e. washing often) – Put a small amount of moisturizer on the back of one hand and then rub the two backs together. Your palm will be dry enough to open doors, but the backs will be nicely moisturized.
You can also try our Drop of Essence Hydration Drops special this December. For 10% off, receive all the moisture you’d need to heal dry winter skin. It includes day and night moisture, reduces inflammation, slows down aging, and more.
Use Gentle Cleansers
Harsh ingredients such as salicylic acid can help some skin types remain breakout free, but it can also cause breakouts in some people. Everyone should avoid using sulfates on the skin and most do not need harsh ingredients to keep skin looking clear and bright. The key to getting clean, blemish free skin is taking the time to wash your face the right way:
1. Moisten face with warm water and a washcloth – Wash your body first in the shower or hold a warm, wet cloth over your face by the sink instead of splashing water on before cleansing. Even if you only do it for a few seconds, the heated moisture will open pores and make cleanser more effective.
2. Lather up – Using your facial brush, a washcloth, or your fingertips, apply a gentle cleanser to your face using circular motions. Focus on oily and clogged areas, and continue to wash your face for at least 30 seconds. Putting on soap and then rinsing will likely not get rid of all the makeup or oils built up on your face. Don’t scrub too hard.
3. Rinse – Rinse well and then apply a moisturizer while the skin is still damp. Your body deserves the same care and treatment as your face. Use mild, sulfate free cleansing formulas on your body and only bathe as needed. Most skincare experts agree that modern humans bathe far more than necessary, stripping away oils that naturally keep skin looking luminous and moisturized.
Wear Sunscreen
You need sunscreen during the winter on exposed skin just as you need it in the summer. The face, neck, and hands, are generally exposed to the elements if you spend time outdoors in winter, making skin protection an important consideration.
If you’re interested in slowing down the signs of aging, use sunscreen regardless of skin type. While we need a certain level of vitamin D, few people get it from spending time in the sun. A supplement is just as effective, and while using sunscreen decreases the body’s ability to absorb the vitamin, regular application prevents sun damage like cancer and helps you stay moisturized.
Protect Yourself with the Right Clothes
Wind chill will have you feeling the dry effects of winter fast. Wear your hat, gloves, and scarves when you go outside, and pay attention to weather reports. Some people unwittingly expose themselves to minor frostbite when they go out to play, run, or engage in another winter activity. In extremely cold weather, skin starts to suffer the consequences fairly quickly. Use a warm, moist washcloth or compress and moisturizer when you come in from prolonged periods in the cold.
Hydrate and Humidify
Even though you don’t feel hot and dehydrated, you can just as easily suffer from the effects of bad hydration during the cold months. Hydration improves cell regeneration and helps keep your skin moisturized from the inside out. Every bodily function improves with proper hydration, making it an important part of winter skin and hair health. However, you may not notice the immediate effects of hydration on your skin, which is why drinking plenty of water should supplement any skincare routine.
During winter, you may not spend much time outside, but your home, office, and car might do more damage than you realize. As soon as you crank up the heat, the unit zaps the moisture right out of the air. You may notice the difference in the way your skin, hair, eyes, and nose feel during the colder months.
Humidifiers are relatively inexpensive, and you can also find ones that use aromatherapy essential oils to further improve winter health. Clean them regularly and hook one up at the home or office to keep a normal level of moisture in the air. You may want to place several small units around an area to disperse moisture more evenly instead of relying on one large unit.
Talk to a Professional
Everyone has different skin, sensitivities, and winter ailments. Talking to an esthetician or other skincare professional may be the single best way to ensure your skin is completely cared for throughout the winter season. You may be using the wrong cleanser or moisturizer for your skin type or a consultation may alert you to considerations you’d never thought about before.
At Advanced Skin and Body Solutions, we specialize in total body skin care for optimal health, rejuvenation, and enhancement. Make an appointment for a winter facial and skincare treatment today and see how a professional’s guidance can help you have the best winter skincare ever.
