When the winter season arrives, it is important to be prepared for dry skin. Many people agree that one of the biggest irritations during the colder months is dryness. Instead of tolerating this problem, consider these few helpful ways to combat it.
Use Sunscreen Each Day
Despite the fact there will be less sunlight and the days will be shorter, applying sunscreen daily is still vital. In fact, UV lights are still harsh on the skin’s moisture barrier, even in winter. This makes it crucial to keep slathering on sunscreen with a minimum of 30 SPF. As part of your morning routine, apply moisturizer and then sunscreen.
Adjust Your Diet
Because skin and gut health are connected, consuming a diet rich in healthy fats can aid to improve dry skin. In addition to a gentle skincare routine, adding avocados, olive oil, or walnuts to your diet can be beneficial in helping your skin retain water. Further, avoiding diuretics such as caffeine and alcohol will help to prevent dehydration of your skin. Therefore given your choice of beverages, always reach for the water!
Wash Then Moisturize Right Away
You can easily strip your skin of its natural oils each time you wash your hands, face, or body, but you can replace these vital oils by using a moisturizer.. Be sure to have a high-quality moisturizer on hand (no pun intended!) by carrying a travel-sized sample and keeping a larger bottle by your sink.
Try A Humidifier
Indoor heating can make the air dry, but you can use a humidifier to put moisture back into your environment. A cool air humidifier creates extra moisture in the air, which can prevent skin dryness in a natural way. Setting a humidifier at 60 percent can rehydrate your skin’s top layer.
Change Your Skin Care Routine
If your skin feels irritated, make adjustments to your skincare routine by scaling it back. Our rule of thumb is “keep it simple.” Use facial sunscreen and a light moisturizer in the morning and a gentle cleanser and hydrating moisturizer before bedtime. After your skin feels healthier, you can slowly reintroduce other topicals.
Use Gentle Cleansers
Forgo drying soaps for gentle cleansers that contain hyaluronic acid or niacinamide. Protecting overall moisture with a gentle cleanser is necessary to maintain proper skin health. If you need additional help, consider contacting a dermatologist in Horsham.
Apply Overnight Treatments
Revitalizing and preventing dry skin is possible when you use overnight treatments. This is easily done by applying a thick emollient on areas of dryness, which will help your skin quickly replenish its oils while you sleep.
Other Signs Of Winter Skin Damage
While dry skin is enough to cause discomfort, here are a few other associated symptoms:
- itching
- rough patches
- cracks
- flaking
Contact A Dermatologist
Need more information? Our dermatologist in Ambler, PA at Embrace Dermatology + Aesthetics can help! Contact us today!