Your skin is a delicate organ, and the winter months can be cruel. As the temperatures drop, you feel your skin begin to dry and crack, your lips chap, and suddenly you’re constantly thirsty. We’ve assembled a strategy to get you through this, and every, winter season. Help your skin survive and thrive during this year’s frost and chill!
1. Hydrate
Let’s start with the most important thing to do for your winter skin—hydrate! Everyone should be maintaining a healthy level of hydration anyway, which is about 9 cups or 72 oz. of water per day. However, if you enjoy good, sweaty workouts and morning coffee, you may want to add an extra glass or two.
Try to limit alcohol intake as this will definitely dehydrate your skin, sometimes leading to rosacea and enlarged pores. In addition, the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles is heightened by dehydration.
Warning: Do not over hydrate! Don’t overdo it. Too much water, or water intoxication, can put a strain on your kidneys, sometimes having life-threatening results.
2. Healthy skin starts from within
In addition to drinking enough water, remember to eat healthy foods in the winter months. Try foods rich in antioxidants, omega-3s, and vitamins A, C, and E, and zinc. You might also consider adding a multivitamin to your daily beauty regimen. And those shorter, darker days can have an impact on your vitamin D levels. A vitamin D3 supplement is highly recommended.
3. Don’t strip your skin barrier while cleansing
A lot of cleansers can dry skin out, especially in this chilly time of year. Test out your cleanser by taking a few minutes after you wash your face before putting on your moisturizer. Does your face feel taut and stiff? Then it is time to switch to a balm, oil, or cream cleanser that doesn’t strip your skin of moisture. Keeping your skin barrier healthy and balanced will prevent dry, flaky, itchy skin.
4. Go rich with moisture
Moisturizing is important year-round, but in these cold, dry months, it is vital. Try a richer moisturizer, especially for those with sensitive skin. Creams, as opposed to lotions, are more nourishing and act as a protective barrier that seals in moisture and gives your skin time to heal. Take some time to massage the product into your skin, and layer up at night to make the most of your sleep. We love the SeneGence Climate Control Anti-Aging Moisturizer for dry and sensitive skin and the SeneGence Neck Cream for a decadent dose of moisture.
5. Don’t forget the SPF
Just because it’s cold outside, it doesn’t mean that the sun’s rays aren’t doing what they do. You’ve got to make sure to keep up with your SPF routine to protect your delicate skin from UVA and UVB damage. We recommend ColorScience® Makeup and Skin Care Products to shield your skin from the harmful effects of the sun and environment.
6. Avoid irritants
Gentle exfoliation is essential to help the skin absorb moisture and is an excellent addition to your routine. However, irritants like retinoids, vitamin C, and some exfoliating acids could further aggravate your winter-worn skin. Try an exfoliant that uses alpha-hydroxy-acid (AHA) for a milder exfoliation. Or schedule a Dermaplaning session, which gently removes the dead, outer skin cells and peach fuzz, allowing those richer moisturizers to penetrate your skin.
7. Facials! Facials! Facials!
We know, you don’t need an excuse to go and get a facial, but now you have one! Regular facials—every four to six weeks—work wonders on keeping your skin fresh and hydrated. And for the best facial in Lincoln, NE, give Advanced Skin + Body Aesthetics a ring. Try our Signature Facial, designed to address all your individual skin care needs.
8. Your lips need your help
Sometimes we forget about that very delicate skin on our lips, but they are often the first to indicate that we are dehydrated. Avoid dry, chapped lips by applying balm during the day and a night mask while you sleep. We love the SkinCeuticals Antioxidant Lip Repair emollient treatment to smooth and rehydrate dry, cracked lips.
9. Get some sleep!
Sleep allows your body time to heal, and with the cold, windy weather barraging your skin, it needs all the healing it can get. The Sleep Foundation recommends that adults get 7–9 hours of sleep a night. They also suggest establishing good “sleep hygiene” habits.
Consider:
- Sticking to a sleep schedule
- Creating a relaxing nighttime routine
- Putting away electronic devices at least 30 minutes before bedtime
- Limiting caffeine and alcohol consumption
10. Relax
There’s nothing worse for your skin (or the rest of your body) than stress. The Mayo Clinic explains that cortisol production blocks “immune system responses” and “growth processes.” That is why it is critical to find ways to relax every day. Take some time to do a little mindfulness meditation. Or, for some extra help, come in for a Reiki treatment. Reiki helps with relaxation, stress reduction, and it promotes healing.
Make way for healthy, hydrated winter skin!
Taking time each day to care for your skin will have remarkable results for years to come. And Advanced Skin + Body Aesthetics, your Lincoln skin care specialists, are here to help. Contact us today to set up a skin care treatment or consultation and shop our selection of products.
Resources and References:
https://www.harpersbazaar.com/uk/beauty/skincare/a13700536/winter-skin-tips-from-a-dermatologist/
https://www.realsimple.com/beauty-fashion/skincare/winter-skincare