The snow is falling, the air is cold and dry, and there doesn’t seem to be an end of winter in sight. This can be bad news for your skin.
During the winter time there is decreased moisture in the air. For many of us, this means dealing with skin that is dry, itchy, flaky and even cracked. The good news? Using the right skin care regimen and arming yourself with ways to stay moisturized can save your skin during the blustery winter months.
Tips for Your Best Winter Skin
- Drink water. The more dehydrated you are, the drier your skin is going to be. Drink up to keep your skin hydrated and rejuvenated.
- Use a humidifier. Just like water in your body, water in the air is good, too. A humidifier pumps moisture into the air, allowing your skin to soak it up. Not only does it help your skin, but it can help prevent chapped lips and bloody noses from dry air.
- Skip the hot shower. It may be tempting to take a steamy shower in the middle of the winter, but it’s not a good idea for your skin – especially after coming inside from cold weather. Keep the water lukewarm so your skin doesn’t dry out.
- Do away with exfoliation. Rough exfoliants and facial scrubs dry out your skin and strips it of its natural moisture.
- Take care of your scalp, too. Dry scalp isn’t the same thing as dandruff. While you may notice tightness, itchiness and white flakes, dry scalp also shows in your hair: it can look frizzy and dull, and break easily or fall out.
- Use good products. Stay away from harsh products like antibacterial and scented soaps because they usually contain alcohol, which quickly dries your skin out. Your best bet is to use products that don’t have a long list of ingredients. If you have extra sensitive skin, go for something clear and unscented.
When it comes to the moisturizing products you’re using, thicker isn’t always better. It’s about the list of active ingredients and how they penetrate and hydrate your skin. Here’s a few new products suggested by Dr. Dy to keep your skin moisturized all winter long:
Ascorbic Acid and Vitamin C
ISDIN makes a product that combines five percent L-ascorbic acid vitamin C with proteoglycans for moisturization. It combines the two and gives you brighter and more hydrated skin.
Retinol Serums
Regenerating AlphaRet® Overnight Cream by Skin Better Science combines alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) and a retinoid. It contains peptides and antioxidants, making it deeply hydrating. It even visibly reduces the appearance of lines, wrinkles and uneven skin tone.
Hyaluronic Acid Serums
Another Skin Better Science product, InterFuse Intensive Treatment, is a topical hyaluronic acid filler grade serum that you can apply right to your face. Injectable grade filler traditionally can’t penetrate through the skin unless it is injected, but this serum uses patented InterFuse technology to deliver hyaluronic acid deeper and faster into your skin, thus minimizing the appearance of deep wrinkles and expression lines.
When it comes to your winter skin care, don’t skip the important stuff. Stay hydrated, limit the hot showers, skip the exfoliating and be gentle on your scalp. Most importantly, use quality products that penetrate the skin so you it can stay hydrated and looking bright all winter long.
Dr. Lady Dy is one of the most sought after dermatologists in the United States. She has studied all over the world and has worked with the world’s leading experts in skin and hair. Her patients fly from all over North America, Dubai, Norway and Korea to be treated by her in Chicago. To learn more about hair loss and to find the treatment plan that’s right for you, contact Dy Dermatology Center. Click here to request an appointment or call the dermatology center at (847) 832-1185.