As the seasons change, so may your clothing or food choices, but have you ever noticed how your skin responds to the shift in temperature? The winter season, with its colder air, dry indoor heat and lower humidity levels, may lead to dry, tight and flaky skin. Your face, hands and feet are all exposed areas susceptible to being zapped of their moisture. To help protect your skin and restore its radiance this winter, we’ve put together these skin care tips:
1. Moisturize after washing
You may not realize it, but every time you wash your hands, face or body, you’re stripping your skin of its natural protective oils. These natural oils help lock in moisture which is why your hands may get dry after washing them, especially in the winter. To replace these oils, apply moisturizer right after washing — but don’t use just any product. Switch to a moisturizer that’s an ointment or cream instead of a lotion. Artisan Rejuvenation’s own Hydrolite Moisturizer works particularly well for dry winter skin. This light, moisture enriched facial cream formulated with soothing aloe vera and a rich blend of antioxidants, helps to achieve smoother, softer skin while assisting to minimize free radical-induced skin damage. And before you even apply moisturizer, make sure to use warm water (instead of hot) when you bathe, and cut your showers short to avoid drying out your skin further.
2. Adjust your skin care regimen
If you’re experiencing sensitive or irritated skin due to the dry winter air, you may want to consider adjusting your skin care routine. Refrain from using drying skin care products that contain any of the following ingredients: alcohol (except for hand sanitizer), alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA), fragrance (including deodorant soaps) and retinoids. Avoiding these products will help your skin retain its natural oils. Instead, simplify your regimen with moisturizer and sunscreen in the morning and a gentle cleanser paired with a moisturizer at night. As your skin’s moisture barrier regains its health, you can slowly introduce serums, toners and other beauty treatments back into your routine.
3. Apply sunscreen daily
Even as the winter days get shorter and cloudier, applying sunscreen should still be a key step in your daily skin care routine. Harmful UV light can penetrate through the clouds and reach your skin, causing stress to its moisture barrier. To optimize your skin health and hydration, add a layer of broad-spectrum sunscreen (at least SPF 30 recommended by the American Academy of Dermatology Association) each morning after applying your moisturizer. Winter is no reason to let up on the safe sun precautions you take during the summer. And remember, continued protection against the sun reduces your risk of developing skin cancer.
4. Use a humidifier
You turn on the heat indoors to warm yourself up from the colder temperatures outdoors, but all the while you’re depriving the air and your skin of moisture. Investing in a humidifier can help add that moisture back into the air which may prevent and relieve skin dryness. Think about installing a humidifier in the main rooms of your home — bedroom, living room, office space, etc.
5. Stay hydrated
Yes, staying hydrated on the inside can affect the appearance of your skin on the outside. To keep your skin healthy and glowing this winter season (and all year round), make sure you’re drinking enough fluids throughout the day. Dehydration can make your skin more susceptible to drying out. So, set a regular routine that includes more than just one glass of water a day. Staying hydrated is not all you can do to protect your skin cells from environmental damage — what you eat is just as important. Eating foods that are high in antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids in tandem with drinking enough water can help your body continue to produce healthy skin cells.
These are just some of the steps you can take to protect your skin from becoming dry and flaky this winter season. To learn more about proper skin care and skin care products, give us a call at (979) 704-6879 or request a consultation online today!
