The beauty of experiencing a winter wonderland is undeniable. From cozy fireside evenings to snow-draped landscapes, winter temperatures and activities offer great fun and a unique charm, but at what cost to maintaining healthy and radiant skin?
As the winter months approach, the air gets chilly and less humid. Our skin struggles to retain moisture which can lead to dry, itchy, and more sensitive skin. Our lips dry out and may even crack. How can we maintain our skin health in these colder months? Here are some ultimate winter skin care tips to consider.
Eat Well & Stay Hydrated
The number one tip for men and women hoping to achieve or preserve their skin health is to maintain proper nutrition and hydration. During the winter months and especially during the holiday season, many people’s diets change. In addition to the added stress of the cold, dry climate, nutritionists warn that increased sugar consumption can wreak havoc on the skin. Remember that fruits and vegetables provide nutrients to your skin including antioxidants, which help to fight the impacts of aging and environmental toxins. Many people don’t drink enough water during winter. Dehydration often results in skin with inadequate moisture which will be apparent with dull, and often itchy skin. While it is always important to eat healthy balanced meals and stay hydrated, it is especially important during the cold season to arm your body to combat the dry air.
Boost Your Moisture Game
As the air becomes dry, it’s time to invest in something with nourishing and conditioning properties. Ditch those lightweight summer lotions and get heavier moisturizers. Hyaluronic acid, shea butter, glycerin, and argan oil should be your best friends in winter to keep your skin looking radiant, plump, and hydrated.
Special Announcement! Did you know there is a new product that adds lasting moisture to you skin? Introducing… SKINVIVE™ by JUVÉDERM®! “It is an exciting new product that works to hydrate your skin, giving patients soft skin and a lasting glow for up to 6 months,” says Dr. Rebecca Baxt, board-certified dermatologist. “SKINVIVE™ is FDA-approved for the cheeks, but we are getting great results off label in the perioral area and we are excited to try it for lip hydration, under the eyes, and I love it for the accordion lines on the sides of the cheeks that many women get from smiling,” says Dr. Baxt.
This Will Be A Shocker For You!
Use your sunscreen! Yes, even on those grey and gloomy days, you need protection from UVA rays particularly. So, while you’re out and about in winter, use a broad-spectrum SPF on exposed areas.
Don’t Forget Lip Care
Your lips are delicate and are generally the most affected in the cold weather. Therefore, you ought to keep them protected. Exfoliate your lips once or twice weekly. Apply a hydrating lip balm containing shea butter, cocoa butter, or vitamin E, as well as SPF. Remember, winter lip care is as essential as overall skin care.
Tweak Your Bedtime Routine And Use Professional Grade Skincare Products
During the harsh winter months, your skin needs a little more TLC at night to recover from the day’s bouts. Give it time to heal its natural barrier function by adding a Vitamin C Serum. The Beauty Bar, developed by board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Sheila Bond, offers skincare products and services that are personally selected by Dr. Bond. “Body & Face Skin Vitamin C Serum is an excellent product for all skin types to hydrate the skin,” says Dr. Bond. Vitamin C Serum can be used day or night. By adding a Vitamin C Serum to your nighttime routine, you are giving your skin the love it needs to keep it healthy. Be sure to go to bed early enough to get the Zzzs your body needs to wake up feeling fresh and ready for the next day. Sleep is vital for your health. According to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, adults should get between 7 and 9 hours of sleep each night.
On a budget? Use These O-T-C Products
You don’t need to splurge to get great winter skincare products. Often, the aisles of your local stores are packed with very good over-the-counter (O-T-C) products that deliver the desired results. From gel/cream-based cleansers to nourishing exfoliating and non-drying masks, these products can rejuvenate winter-worn skin. Also, get products with lactic acid or glycolic acid to remove dead skin cells gently and brighten the complexion. Do you have skin sensitivities and are concerned about your skincare product’s ingredients? Check out the SkinSAFE website. They have an excellent database of skincare products free of allergens and irritants.
Humidify Your Space
Consider investing in a portable humidifier for your home or workplace. Adding moisture to the air helps prevent the skin from drying out, especially during those particularly cold spells.
Laser Treatments
Winter demands a change in your skincare regimen. But, if you’re looking for something more intensive, try laser therapies. If you are nervous about the recovery from a CO2 laser treatment, consider a less invasive YAG laser treatment. According to Dr. Rajendra Shah, board-certified plastic surgeon, “Erbium laser is a laser that resurfaces your skin in a gentle approach versus other lasers such as the CO2 laser. The Erbium Laser Resurfacing, also known as the Micro Laser Peel, has less downtime than other laser resurfacing treatments and is minimally invasive.” Laser therapies can address issues like hyperpigmentation, skin texture, wrinkles, and fine lines.
Other Skin Care Treatments To Improve Skin Health
Professional hydrating facials, Photofacials, IPL, and microneedling are a few other skin care treatments you can try this winter. These can prevent excessive skin dryness and dullness, leaving it glowing, smooth, and nourished. But remember, “all facials are not equal,” says Dr. Mark Clymer, board-certified facial plastic surgeon. “While many day spas and salons offer facials,” he continues, “medical-grade facials, skin care, and products that are that clinically proven to improve the health and appearance of your skin,” are often best.
The more you care for your skin, the healthier it stays, and the more you will be full of vigor and confidence. Winter skin care is super essential, and it can do wonders if you’re just a little more careful.
Remember to use products designed for your skin type. Spend time with people who make you happy. Indulge in self-care. Eat well, exercise regularly, and get your vitamins – your skin will thank you.
Cheers to winter wonders and wonderful skin!