Do you experience dry skin in the winter months? You may have noticed your skin gets drier and flakier in the colder months. When we heat our homes all winter, there is less moisture in the air. Add in the frigid temps and you have a recipe for skin care disaster.
What Are the Signs of Dry Skin?
Some of the most common signs and symptoms of dry skin (xerosis is the medical term) include:
- Flakiness or scaliness
- Raw, irritated skin
- Rough patches
- Itchiness
- Redness
- Cracks in the skin
- Burning or stinging
You may experience more than one symptom at a time. The right treatment will help alleviate your symptoms.
10 Tips to Get Your Skin Glowing
Just because you live in a climate with harsh winters, doesn’t mean you can’t experience smooth, nourished, vibrant skin. Here are some tips to get your skin glowing and shimmering like holiday lights:
1. Avoid Hot Showers
The excessive heat of taking hot showers draws vital moisture away from the body. It is tempting to take the hottest shower you can stand in the colder months, but lukewarm water is preferred as it traps essential moisture in the skin. Avoid using harsh soaps and rubbing your skin vigorously because it can lead to skin damage as well.
2. Moisturize Soon After Bathing or Showering
According to the American Academy of Dermatology, it is important to moisturize within two minutes of patting down the skin after bathing. You will trap the moisture in your skin and see results more quickly. Use a Moisturizer with emollients, which include linoleic, linolenic, and lauric acids. See product recommendations from below on our website.
Cleansers:
Elta MD Foaming Cleanser
Obagi Gentle Cleanser
Obagi Foaming Cleanser
Skin Medica AHA/BHA
Susan Obagi Cleanser
Toners:
Obagi Toner
Obagi Balancing Toner
Susan Obagi Toner
Moisturizers:
Obagi Luxe
Obagi Hydrate
Obagi Hydro Drops Facial Serum
Skin Media HA5
3. Use a Humidifier
Humidifiers put moisture back into the air, which in turn moisturizes the outer layer of your skin. Running a furnace constantly in the winter warms your home, but the dry heat pulls moisture from your skin. It is recommended to use a cool mist humidifier because they don’t get hot and are safer for children and pets.
4. Get Sufficient Sleep
A study in the journal, Clinical and Experimental Dermatology, found that people who slept seven to nine hours a night had skin that was more moisturized, that could protect and heal itself better after being exposed to ultraviolet light compared to those who slept five hours or less. Lack of sleep also lowers your PH levels, which dries out the skin.
5. Vitamin C
Vitamin C is legendary in the skin care world. In fact, it is used for all things skin related, and for good reason. Vitamin C is an incredible antioxidant, anti-inflammatory nutrient and is known to improve skin tone and texture, hydrate the skin, and reduce signs of aging.
6. Eat Those Fruits and Veggies
Eating a healthy diet loaded with fruits and veggies provides the nutrients your skin needs to stay healthy. Squashes like butternut and pumpkin that are rich in beta-carotene are especially beneficial to dry skin. Beta-carotene helps to aid cell renewal, regulate skin function, and promote collagen production. Foods with omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids (such as fish, eggs, walnuts) are also good for your skin.
7. Hyaluronic Acid
Hyaluronic acid is a large molecule that is produced naturally in the skin, and can hold 1,000 times its weight in water, according to chemist Vanessa Thomas. In skin care products it acts as a humectant, helping the skin hold on to water. Hyaluronic acid is a safe option for most people, however, some people may have allergic reactions to it or other chemicals present in the skin care product.
8. Remember to Use Sunscreen
Protection from the sun is important not just in the summertime, but year-round. Ultraviolet rays are just as strong in the wintertime, and it is necessary to protect the skin, especially your face. Most moisturizers have an option that contains SPF. EltaMD has a great line of broad-spectrum sunscreens, with clear and tinted options.
9. Moisturizing Masks
Low temperatures and humidity levels dry out your skin. Masks that include clay and seaweed extract can help draw out impurities, calm spots, and exfoliate your skin.
10. Use a Moisturizing Cleanser
A moisturizing cleanser will help hydrate parched skin during the dry winter months. Additionally it will help create a healthy barrier to protect your skin against the harsh elements. You will be able to wash away dead skin cells without drying out your skin.
When to Contact a Provider
In most cases, the use of these 10 tips will help alleviate your dry skin issues. However, if these remedies are not working, contact a healthcare professional for additional guidance, prognosis, and next steps. Stellis Health – Medical Skin Care is ready to treat your symptoms to help you achieve healthy, glowing skin. Contact us today to make an appointment.
Complimentary Skin Analysis
Not sure what your skin needs? Try a complimentary VISIA consultation to better understand how to care for your unique skin. The system scans your face and captures key visual information on eight areas that affect your skin’s health and appearance including skin pigmentation, pore size, porphyrins (evidence of bacteria), UV spots, photo damage (typically from sun damage), facial veins/redness, texture and wrinkles.
