Winter can cause havoc on your skin, and you may feel like there’s no way out: cold, windy conditions outside leave your skin red and raw, while the heat inside the interior removes moisture from the air and your skin.
Even the things that make winter wonderful, like sitting by a busy fire, can dry out your skin, as the American School of Dermatology (AAD) points out. And while a hot shower may warm you up, hot water strips your skin of its natural oils, according to the College of Tennessee Medical Center.
Fortunately, there are many ways to combat the causes of winter skin and stay hydrated and supple all season long, including some simple changes to your daily routine.
Read on to discover ten simple, dermatologist-approved tips for glowing winter skin.
Top 10 Tips for Healthy Winter Skin
Invest in a Humidifier to Maximize Moisture
“During the colder winter months, the outside air typically contains less water and is drier and colder,” speaks Naissan O. Wesley, MD, a dermatologist at Skin Care and Laser Physicians in Beverly Hills, PA.
California. According to the Cleveland Hospital, a humidifier in your home or office will restore humidity to the air, helping to keep your skin hydrated.
Use a humidifier throughout your home or in the rooms you spend the most time in, and try to keep indoor moisture levels between 30 and 50 per cent.
One option is to turn it on at night while you sleep. If you are unsure of the humidity levels in your home, you can purchase a moisture meter, such as the popular Goabroa device (Amazon.com).
Keep Thermostat Temperatures Cool and Comfortable
If you want to escape the cold, dry air outside, you might be tempted to turn up the heat when you get home.
But high central heat can make the air in your home even drier, notes the American Osteopathic College of Dermatology (AOCD).
Try a relaxed environment to prevent your skin from drying out further: the AOCD recommends between 68 and 75 degrees F.
Lower Water Temperatures for Showering and Hand-Washing
Long, steamy showers may seem like a good idea when cold and windy, but boiling water can dry out your skin, says Marie Hayag, MD, dermatologist and founder of Fifth Avenue Aesthetics in New York City. A hot shower (or bath) for 5 to 10 minutes is less likely to worsen dry skin than a hot shower, suggests the AAD.
A decent rule of thumb: If the water turns your skin red, it’s too hot, notes UPMC.
You should also avoid using too hot water to wash your hands. This is especially true if your hands are red, scaly, and itchy (potential signs of hand eczema, according to the National Eczema Connotation). Dry skin from contact with hot water or cold winter air can lead to an eczema flare-up.
Colder water appears to be as effective as warm water at killing germs and is less exasperating to the skin, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Opt for Gentle, Fragrance-Free Body Cleaners
When dipped, bar soap can worsen dryness by stripping the skin of its usual oils and disrupting the microbiome, says Dr Wesley.
“For folks with dry skin, I recommend using a body wash,” says Dr. Hayag. “Look for cleansers labelled “for sensitive skin” or “dye-free” and “fragrance-free.” They often contain fewer drying and more hydrating ingredients, such as hyaluronic acid, ceramides, oils, shea butter and oats.
Also, look for products labelled “fragrance-free,” advises the AAD. “Fragrance-free” products may contain chemicals that neutralize odours and can irritate.
Modify Your Skincare Regimen for the Season
If your casing is dry and itchy, Hayag recommends reducing the use of skin care products containing alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) and retinoids on your face, as they can make the problem worse and may even be a sign irritant dermatitis (a skin reaction). ). . ).
Which occurs after prolonged exposure to an irritant substance). “Once the skin has healed, you can slowly restart retinoids and alpha hydroxy acids,” he says.
In addition to evading AHAs and retinoids when facial skin is dry, the AAD recommends avoiding products containing alcohol and fragrances, as this will help the skin retain its natural oils.
Instead, choose oils and creams for your skincare routine, and consider applying moisturizer over a toner if it causes dryness, says Wesley.
In the evening, use a richer moisturizer on your body, including your arms, legs and abdomen. “Look for occlusive agents, such as petroleum jelly, squalene, and shea butter,” says Hayag. “These ingredients retain moisture by forming a protective film on the skin.”
Hayag also recommends looking for a product with hydrating humectants, such as hyaluronic cutting and glycerin. These are great facial ingredients because they allow the skin to respire and are unlikely to contribute to acne.
And don’t forget to hydrate the rest of your body. “For winter body, I recommend using a thicker balm that comes out of a jar or tube rather than a pump,” says Wesley. ”
Lotions that come out of a pump are more runny and watery, so they can often evaporate from the skin’s surface after request and are not thick or hydrating enough.”
As for lips, a moisturizing balm (such as Vaseline or another ointment) can help heal dry, chapped lips and prevent them from cracking, according to the AAD.
Moisturize Hands Frequently, Especially After Washing
As the CDC notes, washing your hands is vital, especially when colds, flu and COVID-19 pose a threat. But “constant washing will damage your hands,” says Linda Stein Gilt, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Henry Ford Medicinal Center in West Bloomfield, Michigan.
Apply hand cream after every wash, and add Dr Stein Gold. She also recommends using waterproof gloves to protect your hands when washing dishes or cleaning.
Wesley says you can put on cotton gloves after smearing moisturizer to help your skin absorb the cream.
Apply Sunscreen — Even on Gray Winter Days
Snow reflects the sun’s rays on sunny winter days, increasing UV exposure, according to the Skin Cancer Foundation. According to the American Cancer Society, ultraviolet rays have been connected to skin cancer, sunburn, and early skin aging (such as wrinkles, leathery skin, and liver spots).
This means that whether you’re hitting the slopes, playing in the dark, or walking through a parking lot to run errands, applying sunscreen as part of the winter rules we use in the summer is essential.
Don’t let the darkest days of winter fool you, either. According to the Skin Cancer Basis, up to 80% of the sun’s harmful ultraviolet rays can pass through clouds and cause damage.
Before going outside, apply a broad-spectrum sunblock with an SPF of 30 or higher that is waterproof and contains moisturizing ingredients like lanolin or glycerin to all bare areas of your body, says the Skin Cancer Foundation.
Wear Appropriate, Comfortable, Nonirritating Clothing
Too much cold fabric can make dry skin worse in winter. “Avoid letting wool and rough clothing come into direct contact with your skin,” says Stein Gold. “This can cause irritation and itching on dry skin.”
Instead, wear lightweight layers of soft, breathable resources (like cotton or silk) directly contradicting your skin. After that, put on thicker, warmer sweaters, as the AAD recommends.
Be sure to protect your hands with gloves or mittens from the cold winter air. If wool gloves are too itchy, try leather ones, as suggested by Wesley.
Remember to Eat Right and Stay Hydrated
Don’t expect drastic results, but it is possible to hydrate your skin from the inside out lightly. “Staying hydrated by eating plenty of fluids, like water, is one of the best things you can do through diet to prevent dryness,” says Wesley.
A small study found that people with low water intake could positively impact their skin’s hydration by drinking more water (in this case, two litres more than their usual daily intake ).
Your diet may also play a role. “Avoiding processed foods and darlings and eating whole foods rich in vitamins, raw materials, and essential fatty acids will keep your body and skin healthy,” says Wesley.
Pat Yourself Dry, Then Lock in Moisture
Dry your hands after washing them, says Hayag. The AOCD states that patting or patting the skin dry rather than rubbing helps it retain more moisture.
Do the same when towelling off after showering. Stein Gold advises: “Pat the skin dry and apply a thick moisturizer a few minutes after dip to seal the water into the skin.” » »
A Final Word on Healthy Winter Skin
If you still knowledge dryness, discomfort, redness, and irritation after trying these tips for healthy skin, Stein Gold suggests using an over-the-counter 1% hydrocortisone cream. “If you don’t see any improvement after a few days, talk to your doctor,” says Stein Gold. You may need a prescription moisturizer to overcome the drying effects of winter on your skin, or your dry skin may symbolize a skin condition that wants to be treated, according to the AAD.
