Tips to combat the impact of winter on your skin
Last weekend reminded us that winter was still here with falling temperatures and drier air. With these changes, our skin becomes drier and our lips become red and cracked. There must be a way to minimize these cold weather effects. Fortunately, there are some simple tips that can help our skin in cold weather.
The first rule of cold weather skin care is to keep the skin moist, as cold air dries out the skin. The first step to improving skin moisture is using a moisturizer, and choosing the right one is important. Thick, oil-based moisturizers provide a thicker, longer-lasting layer on the skin and will treat dry skin more effectively. This should be applied several times a day depending on skin and activity. Certain areas may require frequent hydration, such as the hands if they are frequently exposed to the cold or washed with an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Also, consider wearing gloves or other cold protection, in addition to moisturizer, if you are exposed to the cold for prolonged periods.
In addition to moisturizers, other products can protect and nourish the skin. For example, exfoliators slough off old dead skin, allowing a new top layer of skin to be visible. Too much exfoliation, however, can irritate the skin, so use it sparingly or as needed to remove dry, flaky skin. Cleansers are useful for skin care, but choose a gentle product that promotes extra hydration and skin care. People often forget that the lips are also the target of the cold. A good lipstick or a good lip balm can do a lot to protect your lips. Finally, even if the temperature is cold, the skin can still be damaged by exposure to the sun. It is important to be vigilant and always use sunscreen every day.
If there are products that can protect the skin during these cold snaps, there are also those that should be avoided. As stated above, the most important thing is to keep the skin moist and maintain the skin’s natural oils. This means avoiding skin products that contain alcohol or clay as these can directly dry out the skin; therefore, it may be beneficial to minimize astringents and face masks during cooler seasons. Likewise, chemical peels or chemical exfoliators can remove the skin’s natural oils, which normally work to keep the skin moist and soft. Finally, many perfumes or some skin care products (especially body washes) come with fragrances/fragrances. These, while smelling great, can irritate some people’s skin, especially in the colder months.
Finally, there are some changes that can be made at home to protect your skin. One of the most often missed skincare changes is bath temperature control, as hot water will strip oils from the skin and dry out the skin. Thus, taking shorter baths/showers at a lukewarm temperature will help protect the skin. Simply minimizing exposure to freezing outside air will also protect the skin from moisture loss. Since cold, dry air can enter the home, a humidifier can mitigate the drop in humidity levels. Finally, a healthy diet, which includes plenty of water, is easily overlooked but essential to keeping skin healthy and happy.
The cooler weather is a wonderful time for outdoor fun with family and friends. Avoiding cold injuries is easy by following these simple tips to protect your skin from freezing, dry temperatures.
Dr. Strecker is a resident physician who sees patients of all ages and provides obstetrical services at Lone Star Family Health Center, a 501©3 nonprofit health center in Conroe, Spring, Willis, Grangerland, and Huntsville, and serving home to a fully integrated family medicine residency program to increase the supply of family medicine physicians for Texas and our community.