There’s no denying the difficulty of taking proper care of your skin. Between finding the right products and following the most effective daily skincare routine, you may feel like you’re in an ongoing battle with your skin. As if it wasn’t challenging enough, now add winter into the mix. With frigid temperatures, low humidity, and gusty winds, it’s likely that your skin is suffering as a result. And while the weather outside may be frightful, your skin can still be delightful. To avoid itchy legs, chapped lips, and rough skin, follow these winter skincare tips!
Speak with a Specialist
A practical, yet powerful way to overcome dry skin this season is by speaking with a specialist. Regardless if you choose to visit a dermatologist or an esthetician, seeking out their expertise will provide you with a deeper insight into your unique skin and its specific needs. Their professional assessment will help determine the root of your skin issues and save you from all the trial-and-error that comes with finding the most suitable skincare products. If the chaotic holiday season or weather conditions are holding you back from meeting with a doctor in-person, consider using a telemedicine service online. This way, you can still consult with a healthcare provider, get an accurate skin diagnosis, and even receive your very own, prescribed skincare treatment! No matter which approach you take, speaking with a specialist will ensure that you have everything you’ll need to support your skin and prepare for the cold months ahead.
Avoid Taking Long Hot Showers
In the dead of winter, nothing feels better than warming up your body with a nice hot shower. But even though it feels great, the hot temperature may heighten your skin concerns if you’re not careful. This is because the intense heat from your shower can cause your epidermis—the outer layer of cells in the skin—to weaken and break down. As a result, your skin loses its ability to operate as a protective barrier, leading to a depletion of its moisture and other natural oils. Therefore, it’s important to refrain from taking those long, steamy showers. Instead, try your best to take lukewarm showers in order to keep your skin both healthy and hydrated all year-round.
Stay Away from Harsh Cleansers
A key to a successful skincare journey is staying away from using harsh cleansers. There’s nothing wrong with testing the waters with different products, but using a harsh cleanser can strip your skin of its natural oils. As a result, you’re more likely to develop irritated, dry, and/or inflamed skin. That’s why you should look for a gentle cleanser to use on your skin twice a day. While washing, make sure that you aren’t viciously scrubbing your skin as it may heighten its sensitivity and redden your complexion. To prevent this from happening, apply a dime-sized amount of cleanser to the tips of your fingers and slowly massage your skin in a circular motion. This will helpto remove the dirt, bacteria, and oils that are built up during the day and overnight.
Moisturize More Often
Due to the winter season, moisturizer is no longer an optional step of your skincare regimen, it’s a necessity. Moisturizers are the optimal way to combat dehydrated skin as it works to maintain a smooth and supple complexion. Still, the type of moisturizer you use can directly impact the nourishment of your skin. Moisturizers containing a fragrance, for example, can wreak havoc on your skin, especially if it’s already sensitive and dry. While many of you may love applying a scented lotion on your body, putting it on your face may lead to itchiness or irritation of the skin. For this reason, experts recommend that sensitive skin types stick to using a fragrance-free, hypoallergenic moisturizer. Along with that, they also suggest that dry skin types search for an ointment or cream since these act as a heavier moisturizer. This will better serve as a protective barrier for your skin and allow it to heal more quickly. If, however, your skin is normally more oily, you’ll want to reach for a moisturizer that’s designed to not only hydrate your skin, but also absorb its surface oils. Finding that balance within your moisturizer will help to reduce the risk of clogged pores and enhanced shine.
Purchase an At-Home Humidifier
In response to the freezing temperatures of winter, the majority of us tend to crank up the heat in an attempt to stay cozy and comfortable. Although it does help us keep warm, it actually reduces the moisture in the air, and with dry air comes dry skin. Luckily, purchasing an at-home humidifier is a simple way to control the air in your environment as it works to release moisture back into the air to reach ideal humidity indoors. In doing so, this will make it easier for your skin to retain its natural moisture more effectively. Additionally, having an at-home humidifier can also positively impact other areas of your health as well. From managing asthma and allergy symptoms, to relieving sinus and chest congestion, using a humidifier can support you in more ways than one.
