The dry air and biting, cold winds of winter can be harsh on your skin, depleting it of the natural oils that keep it hydrated. The resulting chapped, cracked or flaky skin is unsightly, unpleasant to the touch and often itchy. The dryness can also inflame existing skin conditions like eczema. Fortunately, following some basic skin care tips for winter can help keep your skin looking and feeling healthy.
Facial Skin Care
Skin on the face is often exposed to damaging elements during winter. Aesthetician Dawn Diorio recommends the use of facial emollient (moisturizing) lotions made with vitamin E, aloe and glycerin. Skin Care Physicians, a site run by the American Academy of Dermatology lists a few other beneficial ingredients to look for in emollients: lactic acid, urea, hyaluronic acid and dimethicone. Be sure to use products designed specifically for moisturizing your face, cautions the University of Iowa, as they are hypoallergenic and won’t clog pores, unlike many body moisturizers. Remember to exfoliate your face once or twice a week. Don’t neglect your lips in the winter either. Skin Care Physicians recommends putting on lip balm with an SPF of at least 30 before going outside.
Body Skin Care
Limit bathing to once a day and to 10 minutes, instructs the University of Iowa, which says warm-water showers are better than baths; excessive bathing and hot water strip the skin of moisturizing oils. Opt for gentle, moisturizing, lye-free soap, and the site suggests only using it when and where it’s necessary. When drying, pat your skin rather than rubbing it to avoid irritation. Leave the skin slightly damp and apply a body moisturizer within three minutes to lock in hydration. Skin Care Physicians explains that moisturizing ointments are the most effective because of their high oil content. Exfoliate body skin three times a week. Duke University warns that sun protection is just as important in the winter as other times, especially when snow reflects the sun’s rays. The American Academy of Dermatology suggests sunscreens with broad-spectrum protection against UVA and UVB rays and an SPF of at least 30. Also, for full-body hydration, run a humidifier in your bedroom overnight with the door closed.
Hand Skin Care
Skin Care Physicians points out that protecting hands against cold, dry winter air is important for preventing flare-ups of dry skin. Wear gloves outside, though be aware that wool can irritate the skin. If your hands will be under water for a period of time, like when doing dishes, wear rubber gloves to keep hands from drying out. Apply moisturizing hand cream after washing your hands as well; if they do get dried out, you can rub on some mineral oil or petroleum jelly and leave it on overnight.
