The winter months can wreak havoc on otherwise healthy skin. The combination of cold temperatures, lower humidity, increased use of home heating and snow glare in some regions all damage our skin. In some cases this damage is a general dry, tight feeling while in others harsh conditions can result in skin cracking, flaking, or inflammation known as eczema. With all of this in mind, there are some things you can to protect and repair your skin.
Choose a Great Cleanser
Many cleansers on the drug store shelf are alcohol based. These leech moisture from the skin and actually make dry skin problems worse. Choose a skin cleanser that is formulated to hydrate as it cleans to prevent over-drying. If your skin is already damaged, look for a cleanser with anti-inflammatory properties.
Choose a Great Moisturizer
Pair you cleanser with a great moisturizing cream. While thin lotions might do the trick in the warm weather, they’re often not thick enough for the winter months. Choosing a thick cream with a natural moisturizer, antioxidants and an oil base if possible can help not only heal dry skin, but also protect it from future damage.
Don’t Forget the Sunscreen
This is an easy step to forget when it’s cold, but especially in areas that get snow during the winter, it especially important. Snow glare from the sun can be almost as damaging as from the sun itself. While keeping skin covered with gloves and scarves can help, protecting what remains exposed can be as simple as choosing a foundation or toner with sunscreen.
Seek a Professional for Bigger Problems
Despite our best efforts, there are some problems that simply can’t be solved without seeking professional help. There are a variety of laser treatments that provide skin resurfacing for wrinkle reduction and the removal of pigmented blemishes. Someone who specializes in permanent solutions to cosmetic issues can help identify problem areas and guide you through the products and procedures that are right for you.
While winter is hard on our skin, it doesn’t have to damage it permanently. By choosing products and services that help care for, protect and repair our skin we can end the winter season looking as healthy and youthful as when we started it.