Winter is coming. Are you skincare prepared?
Even if you don’t live in a cold climate, the change of seasons can wreak havoc on your skin. And, all that damage could take ages to undo.
So, why take any chances?
Follow these nine outstanding winter skin care tips for dermatologist-approved protection against the elements!
1. Hydrate
This is one of the best skin care tips for winter. And, it’ll benefit more than just your complexion.
During colder parts of the year, it’s still just as easy to get dehydrated. And, because you don’t feel hot, you may consume even less water than usual.
This can leave your skin dry, dull, and lifeless. And, it can lead to more serious conditions like acne and premature aging, as well.
Up to 75% of Americans may be dehydrated, but you don’t have to be! Cut back on hot wintertime drinks like coffee and tea that are mildly dehydrating. Instead, opt for a hot herbal drink or warm water with lemon.
2. Avoid Extremes
How good does a hot shower feel after a long day in the cold? Pretty darn good.
But, one of the lesser-known winter skin care tips by dermatologists is to skip out on that extreme heat. And, keep showers short and sweet. While a long hot shower might feel great, it’s actually sucking the moisture out of your skin, leaving it more exposed to the elements.
Stripping your skin’s natural oils away can leave your skin itchy and dry, blotchy, or irritated. It can also cause an increase in oil production, acne, and an imbalanced complexion overall.
3. Extra Exfoliation
When temperatures plummet, our skin can take on a dry or flakey texture. So, you might need a bit more exfoliation than usual.
But, don’t go overboard! Too much scrubbing can make the problem worse, not better. Instead, opt for a more gentle product to be used more frequently.
Good technique is also essential to your winter skin care routine. To properly exfoliate, apply gentle pressure with your fingertips in a circular motion. You should never feel scratched or abraded by an exfoliant!
4. Max Out On Moisture
When it comes to winter hair and skin care tips, this is the original. And, dermatologists swear by it to this day!
No matter how much moisture you have in your routine, you should add a bit extra for the winter. And, consider a richer product rather than just applying more of whatever you’re currently using.
You might also consider incorporating a natural oil or two into your routine. While this might sound counterproductive, especially if you have oily or acne-prone skin, it can actually benefit your complexion big time!
So long as you steer clear of pore-clogging bases like coconut oil, you can safely enrich your skin with these natural products – and not suffer from breakouts as a result.
5. Get Some Exercise
During winter months, plenty of us transform into couch potatoes. And, it can wreak havoc on our skin, hair, and waistlines.
Adding ten minutes or more of vigorous aerobic exercise to your daily routine can help brighten your skin, improve circulation, and even clear acne. Think of that sweat you’re working up as a mini-facial!
Getting more exercise will also help you sleep better. And, there’s no better way to perk up your complexion than getting a full eight hours every night.
Say bye-bye to dark circles and bags!
6. Choose Fabrics Wisely
While it might be tempting to try out the hottest in synthetic fabric technology, not all materials are good for your skin. In fact, some can cause serious irritation, especially if worn every day.
Pay attention to how you feel while wearing certain materials. And, remember that you can find ultra-warm and moisture-wicking materials that come from a natural source if needed.
Silk, wool, and alpaca can all keep you just as comfortable as their synthetic counterparts, and unless you have allergies, they may be gentler your skin. This is especially true for anyone who is prone to itchy or dry patches.
Apply this wisdom to your bed linens as well, if possible. Your face does spend a whole lot of time on your pillowcase – why not treat it to a sweet, irritation-free night’s sleep?
7. Steam On
This is one of our favorite winter season skin care tips, because it feels good and improves the complexion, as well.
Steam treatments can work wonders on dry, chapped, and irritated skin. And, their gentle, soothing warmth feels amazing during these chilly months.
You can use a professional facial steamer, or go DIY with a bowl or sink of hot water.
If you live in a dry climate or are especially prone to winter skin irritation, you might also want to purchase a steam humidifier for your home. This can help combat the drying effects of your home’s heating system, as well!
8. Know When to Call the Pros
If your dermatologist could tell you any one thing, it would be this. Don’t wait until it’s too late to get professional help! Whether you’re battling breakouts, dealing with an uncomfortable winter itch, or continuing to struggle with a washed-out or lifeless complexion, it might be time to call in the pros.
An expert dermatologist like Dr. Gurgen can get to the bottom of your skin conditions and help the real you shine through – radiant, confident, and beautiful!
It’s also essential to remember that many of the best skincare products on the market today are only available with a prescription. So, if you’ve already tried these tips and haven’t seen results, it could be time for an office visit.
Follow These Winter Skin Care Tips
Armed with these winter skin care tips, you’re ready to stand up to the season! And, come springtime, you’ll be happy you did.
Remember, it’s important to gradually change your skincare routine to avoid irritation. So, start with one or two of these ideas. Then, slowly add a few more.
Before you know it, you’ll have a fully loaded winter skincare routine!
Did you find this blog post helpful? If so, don’t miss out on the rest of our homepage. We update our content daily, with the hottest tips, news, and advice from around the web.
