Whether staying inside to enjoy a roaring fire or going outside into the cold, you can’t escape the effects of the winter air on your skin. Here are eight tips to protect your skin and have a healthy glow this winter season:
Use a humidifier. A humidifier adds much-needed moisture to the indoor air, according to the American Academy of Dermatology Association. Run the humidifier (or 2 or 3) in the rooms where you spend the most time, including common living areas and the bedroom.
Take a lukewarm shower – and keep it short. Those long, hot showers may feel great and relaxing, but your skin will pay for it. Enjoy no longer than a 10-minute shower or bath, and use a thick moisturizer immediately after gently pat-drying your skin to lock in moisture.
Choose gentle cleansers. Regular bar soaps may have irritating ingredients and fragrances, so use a fragrance-free wash.
Change up your skincare regimen. Take a look at the ingredients in your skincare and avoid alcohol-based toners and products that contain fragrance, which can irritate dry, sensitive skin.
Apply hand cream after hand washing. It’s important to wash your hands during cold and flu season, but all that hand washing can take its toll on your hands. Apply a hand cream after washing up. When washing dishes or doing other housework where your hands may be immersed in water, consider wearing waterproof gloves.
Apply sunscreen. We know, we know. It may not make sense to use sunscreen in the winter, but the sun’s damaging rays can pass through the clouds, and snow can reflect the sun’s rays as well. Apply a moisturizing, broad-spectrum sunscreen that has an SPF of 15 or higher to exposed areas of your body before heading outside.
Avoid the scratchy clothing. Wool and other fabrics can cause your dry skin to get irritated and itchy. Instead, wear light clothing made of soft, breathable materials against your skin and then layer with heavier cold-weather fabrics on top.
See a skincare specialist. An appointment with a dermatologist will help you determine what skincare products you should be using and when.
Dry skin can itch, crack and even bleed, making the winter months unbearable. Get ahead of it by calling Utah Valley Dermatology at (801) 768-8800 today to schedule an appointment with Dr. Myers.
