Tips for combating dry post-winter skin
Winter is tough on skin. Even if you don’t live in a particularly cold place, we still have our fireplaces burning, heaters on and the air is just dry. These conditions cause your skin to become dry, flaky, and / or rough. In some instances cracks may appear on the very dry skin or your hands and feet. You may notice fine lines and feel itchiness or tightness. Dy skin can look older or unhealthy.
To prevent or minimize skin dryness, you can follow these few simple steps. Your skin will look and feel better.
1. Try to take shorter showers that are warm and not too hot. Long or hot showers will strip away the proteins and fats that make up our skins protective barrier. This barrier locks in moisture to protect us from harsh outside environments. Short, lukewarm showers with a mild cleanser is the best.
Once you exit the shower pat your skin to remove excess water, then apply body lotion to your skin. This will seal the moisture in. When purchasing moisturizers, for the face o
r body, look for ones that contain ceramides and hyaluronic acid.
At night you want to make sure you are using a more nourishing moisturizer / cream for the face, neck and chest, like SkinMedica TNS Ceramide treatment cream. A hydrating Serum under your moisturizer + sunscreen during the day will help protect against dry outdoor air and the parched air from your vehicles heater.
2. Incorporate fish or flaxseed oil into your diet. The essential fatty acids in these products help to maintain hydration in the skin and protect against harsh environmental damage.
3. For super dry hands, feet and elbows you can apply Aquaphor at night with socks or gloves to soften the dry skin and prevent cracking. Aquaphor is an excellent barrier repair product that can heal and protect the dryest of skin. I also use it on my lips to prevent chapped or cracked lips. It works wonders and it now comes in a spray form.
4. Staying hydrated is always a good idea, but it is especially important for keeping your skin hydrated. In colder weather we all tend to drink more hot caffeinated beverages than usual. Caffeine can act as a diuretic and cause you to become dehydrated. Drink your usual 2 liters of water, but add an additional 8 ozs. for each caffeinated beverage.
5. Use a humidifier in your bedroom at night. This will infuse moisture into the air and your skin. For an additional benefit, put a couple drops of essential oil in the water, lavender to relax or citrus blends to invigorate.
Oh course, hydrating facials are a great idea for dull dry winter skin. Take time out and schedule one with your esthetician to get a moist, dewy glow to your skin.
For more information, contact our office.
