Here in Greensburg, our winters are milder than most. But we still get an average of about 30 inches of snow this time of year. Hopefully, you’ve already gotten your home and car winterized. But what about your skin? Is it prepared for that next blast of cold weather? Keep in mind that cold weather and low humidity levels result in dry air, which takes away precious moisture from your skin. In a domino effect, dry skin can lead to cracking and bleeding. Don’t let your skin succumb to another harsh winter. Keep reading for our top 10 winter skin care tips.
- Wash in warm water – After spending hours in the cold, nothing sounds better than a hot shower or bath. Be careful, though, as that hot water can strip away many necessary oils for healthy skin. Try to wash in lukewarm water as much as possible.
- Moisturize, moisturize, moisturize – It’s important to seal that dampness from a shower into the skin. Applying moisturizer helps do that. Just know that not all moisturizers are the same. Some even have petroleum-based ingredients that further dry your skin this time of year. Instead, look for one that’s oil-based, as it’s more likely to retain moisture. Some natural ingredients your skin will benefit from include lavender, chamomile, and jojoba.
- Protect when outside – Get in the habit of wearing gloves and scarves to shield your skin from cold winds and wintry weather. Not to mention, wear sunscreen just like you would during the summer. Remember that the winter sun can be just as damaging. The sunscreen you use should contain zinc oxide or titanium dioxide.
- Humidify your air – Think about how often you turn on the heater during winter. We’re willing to guess if it’s not every day, it’s close to it. Heating systems dry out the air, so think about installing a humidifier and having it in your bedroom. A humidifier puts moisture back into the air and helps prevent your skin from drying out.
- Stay hydrated – Colder weather and hot beverages go hand in hand. That said, our skin still needs hydration to remain healthy. So the next time you crave another cup of coffee, you might want to opt for some hot water with lemon. The hydration efforts shouldn’t stop with what you drink. Eating foods that are high in water content can hydrate your skin from the inside out. Watermelon, oranges, apples, celery, tomatoes, cucumbers, and zucchini all do the trick! Make sure you’re also getting enough zinc and vitamin C to support the healthy production of elastin and collagen.
- Moisturize overnight – Areas like hands, feet, elbows, and knees have thin skin and tend to lose moisture faster than other areas of the body. If you notice the cold, dry air is starting to take a toll on your skin, think about applying a deep moisturizing balm at night.
- Exfoliate – Exfoliating masks and body washes can be incredibly helpful in winter. Find a mask and use it on your face, hands, and lips. Once you’re done, apply moisturizer to see a noticeably smoother difference.
- Use DIY masks – Speaking of masks, feel free to create your own! Homemade hydrating masks made from ingredients like honey, avocado, almond oil, and aloe can work wonders for your skin. Simply mix everything together to create a cream and leave on the skin for about 20 minutes.
- Change your cleanser – Take a look at the ingredients in your cleanser. If you see that it contains glycolic or salicylic acid, swap it out for a cleanser that has more moisturizing ingredients.
- Avoid toxins – If you have a skin condition such as eczema or dermatitis, you probably know that certain allergens and irritants trigger flare-ups. Do what you can to avoid irritating fabrics, harsh detergents, and heavy-duty cleansers/moisturizers.
Our Medical Spa Skin Treatments
The Center MedSpa & Salon is here to help keep your skin healthy and beautiful through the winter months. Take your pick from any of the following medical spa services:
- Chemical peels
- Microneedling
- Microdermabrasion
- Botox
- Juvederm
- Bellafill
- And more
Don’t let Jack Frost nip at your skin this winter. At The Center MedSpa & Salon, our licensed aestheticians bring together wellness, relaxation, and rejuvenation for an incredible experience.
Schedule your appointment today.