Winter is well underway. Whether you love this time of year for the snow, the cozy fires and the holidays, or you hate it for the freezing temperatures and the need to wear several layers just to go outside, one thing is for sure, winter weather can wreak havoc on your skin. The mixture of cold temperatures, dry air, and harsh winds zaps precious moisture from your skin every single second. And staying cooped up indoors doesn’t do you much better, as indoor heating sucks moisture from the air inside as well.
Without care, your delicate skin is susceptible to becoming dull, dry, cracked and may even bleed. But all hope is not lost! Just because it’s winter, that doesn’t mean your skin has to suffer. It’s just that your skin requires special treatment during the winter months.
Here are 5 things (plus a bonus tip!) that you can do to keep your skin glowing this winter…and beyond!
1. Keep It Cool
With the temperatures dropping, the feeling of warm water on your skin can feel pretty good. While you might enjoy stepping into a hot shower or running your hands under warm water, these actions are actually doing you more harm than good. Hot water strips your skin of healthy oils, leaving it more susceptible to the winter elements. Dial down the temperature a bit and wash with lukewarm water.
2. Moisturize Damp Skin
Moisturizing is essential, and the timing is crucial! As soon as you’re done washing, apply your moisturizer. Don’t let your skin dry off first. Applying your moisturizer to damp skin actually helps it to absorb and penetrate better, and seals that moisture in. We highly recommend our Clarity Moistulush, which contains marine algae and organic aloe, along with ceramides, cholesterol and fatty acids that help to restore your skin’s natural moisture balance.
3. Protect Your Skin from the Elements
Protecting your skin is paramount, but we don’t just mean bundling up with gloves and a scarf. Sure, these things help to protect your skin from the icy winter winds (so don’t leave home without them!), but they’re not enough. You also need sunscreen.
The winter sun can actually be more damaging than the summer sun, and unfortunately, many people skip sunscreen thinking they don’t need it because they are bundled up. But there are parts of you that are still exposed. Use a zinc-based sunscreen like Elta MD UV Facial SPF 30+ to help protect and preserve your skin.
4. Don’t Skip Exfoliation
Exfoliation is often skipped in the winter months, but this step is important. When you skip it, it becomes harder for moisturizer to effectively absorb into your skin. Exfoliation helps to slough off dead skin cells, which allows your applied moisturizer to penetrate. And when you exfoliate, be sure to take care of your hands, your face, your lips, and your limbs. As soon as you are done, don’t forget to follow up with your moisturizer.
5. Special Products for Special Circumstances
Winter skin is at risk for excessive irritation. This irritation can cause your skin to crack and bleed. This not only affects your appearance, but it’s just downright painful! Seek out an expert (we’re here for you!) who can prescribe an appropriate sensitive cleanser and moisturizer for you. One of our favorites is Cosmedix Mystic, which provides lightweight moisture for oily, sensitive and problematic skin. The moisturizers in this product work to attract, and retain, essential moisture in your skin.
BONUS TIP: Chemical Peels
Winter is the perfect time to improve your skin with a series of chemical peels. Chemical peels use a specially formulated solution that we apply directly to your skin. It works to rapidly regenerate your skin cells, amping up your production of collagen and elastin. The peels also allow your body to quickly shed the top layers of dead skin. In doing so, your skin can more easily absorb your moisturizer. From superficial to deep, we have options to improve the look and the feel of your skin!
Love it or hate it, winter is an inevitability. But that doesn’t mean your skin has to suffer. At Clarity Medical Aesthetics, we can conduct a thorough one-on-one consultation, during which we review your current skincare routine. From there, we can help you alter your routine to better meet the needs of your sensitive winter skin. To schedule your free consultation, give us a call today!
