With sunny skies and temperatures in the high 60s, it’s hard to imagine that we’re only 2 months away from the beginning of wintery weather. Between the biting cold and blistering winds, our skin is bound to take a beating.
What’s Up with Winter Air?
Cold air holds less moisture than warm air, which is why your skin dries out, making it feel flaky, itchy, and tight during the winter. Combine that with the harsh winds and low temperatures, and you’ve got a recipe for dehydration.
Winter air causes dandruff to worsen, skin to chap, and noses to run. That’s right! Even your winter cold is bad for your skin… The wiping and blowing makes your face raw, causing burning and redness.
Additionally, we tend to crank up the heat when it’s cold outside, drying out our skin even more! It’s a cycle that repeats itself for 4-5 months, leaving our skin exhausted and in desperate need of some TLC.
Tag Team with Exfoliants and Moisturizers
As the temperature drops and you switch to sweaters, it’s also a good idea to amp up your exfoliation and moisturizing routine. Exfoliation keeps your pores clean of buildup, debris, and dead skin. This allows your skincare products to penetrate deeply, giving you the full benefit of their nurturing ingredients.
While you’re at it, splurge on a moisturizer that soothes, heals, and protects your skin. Look for moisturizers containing PHA’s (polyhydroxy acids) and bionic acids as they attract water into the skin and improve your skin’s barrier function. They are also potent anti-oxidants, decreasing inflammation in the skin.
Love Your Lips
Your lips are particularly vulnerable to winter weather. We seem to be in a constant battle against chapped lips all winter long, applying endless amounts of lip balm and wishing it were summer again.
Opt for balms that have skin protectants in them, as they keep moisture in and dry air out. If you aren’t willing to give up your prettied-up pucker, give your balm 5 minutes to absorb before applying color.
Don’t Forget the Sunscreen!
It might be tempting to leave the SPF at home during the winter, but the sun’s harsh rays can still do damage, even when you don’t feel the heat. In fact, it’s not uncommon to get a sunburn in the winter if you spend a lot of time outdoors, as the snow reflects the light back up instead of being absorbed by the earth.
Find an SPF that protects and moisturizers, and use it regularly as you would in the summertime if you’re planning to be outdoors.
Stay in Touch with Your Dermatologist
The winter is a great time to pamper yourself with a treatment at Advanced Dermatology & Cosmetic Institute. Winter weather is tough to battle by yourself, but with the help of one of our expert providers, you can maintain soft, silky skin through the holidays and beyond. Try out our HydraFacial, which provides “super hydration” to the skin.
It’s never too early to prepare for the dark days and long nights of winter… Your skin will thank you!
