Wintertime is challenging for skin care. Your skin is subjected to extremes in weather, including freezing temperatures, cutting winds, and drying indoor heat. Added to all that, the winter sun may not always feel warm, but it can still burn your skin.
At The Center for Dermatology Cosmetic & Laser Surgery in Mount Kisco, New York, our expert team analyzes your skin type and needs to determine the best medical-grade skin care products and regimen for you.
Following are some tips we compiled to help you get through our harshest season.
While blasting the furnace may make you feel toasty, dry, hot air from indoor heating systems wreaks havoc on your skin. Dry air actually evaporates the water in your skin, making it parched, tight, irritated, and flaky.
Tolerating a little chill isn’t just better for your skin, it’s better for you, too. When you’re just a little bit cold — not enough to shiver — your body burns brown fat to keep warm. You might even lose five pounds a year simply by saving your skin with slightly lower temperatures.
A trusty cardigan indoors should be enough to keep you warm when you’ve turned down the heat a bit. But outdoors, you should add as many layers as necessary to keep yourself warm and your skin protected.
Sunglasses not only protect your eyes from the effects of the sun’s damaging UVA and UVB rays, they also act as windshields to stop your eyes from becoming overly dry outdoors. A hat helps your body retain heat and protects your scalp and hair from drying winds and weather.
Wear a scarf around your neck and lower face to add a buffer from snow, wind, and biting cold rains. Dressing in layers, from sweaters to overcoats, also allows you to easily shed them when you’re in danger of becoming too warm.
Almost nothing can protect your skin from winter’s weather extremes better than a high-quality, medical-grade moisturizer. A good moisturizer keeps your skin soft and lubricated without clogging your pores.
Look for products that are noncomedogenic and free from artificial ingredients, including scents.
We have moisturizers from the top skin care companies in the world that are formulated for your individual needs. Whether you have oily skin, dry skin, rosacea, or psoriasis, there’s a moisturizer that can help you this winter.
And don’t forget your body! Winter cold and indoor air sucks moisture from all over your skin. Find a full-body moisturizer as well as heavier creams or oils for trouble spots such as your elbows, knees, and the soles of your feet.
You should always be gentle with your skin and leave the heavy exfoliating to the experts. Keep your skin looking fresh and dewy no matter what the weather with regular:
Also take care not to irritate your skin during winter time with scrubbing or harsh soaps. Use a gentle cleanser that’s formulated for your skin type, and pat rather than rub your skin dry.
While you may seek out every sunny patch possible during winter’s short days, remember that UVA and UVB rays can still damage your skin, even when the air is cold and the sky is gray.
Sunlight is reflected by both clouds and snow, so be sure you wear a full-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 when you head outdoors.
Sunscreen — and wind protection — is extra important if you participate in winter sports. Reapply sunscreen every two hours if you’re skiing, ice skating, or playing ice hockey or some other outdoor sport.
Baby your skin this winter by getting the right products to keep your skin safe and the treatments you need to look and feel youthful, dewy, and moisturized. Book your facial or skin care consultation today by contacting our office by phone or using the online form.
