Wintertime can be very harsh on your skin and it’s usually the time of year you’re looking to make a great impression on close family and friends.
So that means being aware of what can harm your skin in the winter.
For that, let’s look at what it takes to keep your skin healthy in the cold.
Dryness, cracking, acne, and more is what can happen if you let winter get the better of your skin. Here are some common winter skin care questions you’ll want answers to.
During winter, the air is drier and colder. This combination is known to have harsh effects on the outer layer of your skin.
Since there’s less humidity, more moisture is sucked from your skin, which is what makes it feel dry. And dry skin can lead to flakiness, fine lines, fissuring of the skin and even acne.
Ultimately, your skin will be drier and therefore, isn’t able to function at its best.
The biggest problem with winter skin care is dry skin.
Other common winter skin care concerns include chapped skin, cracking, dandruff, dry cuticles, and more.
The best moisturizer for you will depend on your skin type and current condition.
Ultimately, we recommend patients check with their dermatologist for a regimen that works best for them.
However, it’s usually a safe bet to increase the moisturizer you’re already using or to step up your moisturizing game altogether.
If you’re someone who uses a normal face lotion, opt for a face cream instead for extra moisture. And on the other side, if you typically don’t use moisturizer, try a lighter lotion.
It’s suggested that, “If you use retinoid or retinol products, consider decreasing frequency of application to a just a few times a week in the winter, mix your retinoid with a moisturizer and consider decreasing the volume of product used per application.”
Oily skin can be a blessing and a curse. In the winter, it can be a blessing to an extent.
We recommend hydrating cleansers that are gentle and fragrance-free for the winter months.
Everyone’s skin is unique and that means different products will be the best for different people.
“Here at Apex we use SkinMedica and ZO medical-grade products and recommend you check with your specific dermatologist to determine which products are right for you during winter.”
Although showers feel like heaven during these cold winter months, they could be the cause of your winter skin care issues.
“Hot showers can cause drying of the skin. Tepid water is a better choice, especially during the harsh winter months. I always tell patients that if the shower is hot enough to fog up your mirrors then it’s too hot.”
In order to combat some of these shower problems, limit time in the shower to less than 10 min and avoid fragranced personal care products.
We all have to wash our hands and during the winter, we typically do so more in order to avoid succumbing to colds and the flu.
“Handwashing is very important this time of year. It is one of the most important things we can do to prevent the spread of colds and flu. However, frequent hand washing can cause excessive dryness of the skin.”
To avoid the dryness, use gentle soaps (again, fragrance-free) and be sure to moisturize after handwashing.
“I frequently use petrolatum on my hands at night, which is occlusive and helps prevent moisture loss. “
Another major winter skin care problem is dry, cracked, and chapped lips. If you want to keep your lips plump and happy, make sure you’re moisturizing regularly and avoid licking your lips – it makes them worse.
“Chapped lips can be painful and unsightly. Be sure to coat your lips nightly with petrolatum.”
Summer isn’t the only time of year to make it in to see your dermatologist.
“Many people come to the dermatologist for skin checks in the fall, after spending time outdoors all summer. It is important to check your skin every month throughout the year, no matter how many layers you are wearing daily.
Also, remember that while the sun’s intensity is diminished from around October until April, it is still important to wear sunblock when participating in outdoor winter activities such as skiing.”
Learning what’s important for winter skin care can make a big difference in your day to day life. Make sure to book an appointment with us to ensure your skin stays healthy this winter!