As the cooler temperature and lower humidity of winter have been present for a couple months now, you are probably noticing some unfavorable changes to your skin’s appearance. According to Betsy Wernli, a board-certified dermatologist with Forefront Dermatology in Manitowoc, WI, “Winter is rough on the skin, with low humidity and freezing temperatures. Create an overall healthy lifestyle and daily skincare routine to positively impact your skin.”
Your skin is your body’s largest organ, here are some tips to counter skin dehydration and keep your skin looking radiant and feeling fresh and full of L-O-V-E.
L is for lotion. With the dry winter air wreaking havoc on your skin, you will need to modify your moisturizing regimen. Your skin needs richer, creamier lotions that will keep the skin hydrated. Create a daily skincare routine by focusing on skin hydration both morning and night. After a daily shower, pat dry and immediately apply a thick cream moisturizer. Repeat the moisturizer at night before bed to ensure skin hydration even while you sleep.
O is for oily skin. The first step in developing a skincare routine is to determine your skin type — dry, oily, combination, normal, or sensitive. Based on that, you can tailor your regimen to meet your specific needs. Oily skin is shiny and greasy, often with enlarged pores; it can be prone to pimples, blackheads, and whiteheads. If you have Oily skin wash it twice daily with a salicylic acid cleanser to help keep pores unclogged; however, the skin should not be scrubbed. After cleansing, apply an oil-free moisturizer. Look for products that say “non-comedogenic,” meaning they won’t clog pores.
V is for vegetables (and fruits too!). Load up on leafy greens. Foods such as kale and spinach contain Vitamin A, which is essential for keeping skin smooth and wrinkle-free. Eat more carotenoid based foods, such as carrots and pumpkins, to give your complexion a healthy, natural glow. Finally, give kiwi a try. This fruit is packed with vitamin C, which stimulates collagen synthesis, keeping skin taught and free of fine lines. Vitamin C also fights free radicals that can damage cells, resulting in skin that is less dry and with less noticeable wrinkles.
E is for exfoliate. Dehydrated skin can show signs of dryness, including flaking, scaling, and cracking. Dead skin cells can prevent moisturizer from absorbing completely, so use a mild exfoliator once or twice a week to prevent buildup.
Avoid using harsh peels, toners, and astringents which can remove oil from the skin. Instead of foaming scrubs, use hydrating scrubs to gently remove old skin cells without stripping the skin of its moisture.
Your Local Skin Experts at Forefront Dermatology are Here to Help
If you have concerns about the health or appearance of your skin, schedule a visit with your local Forefront board-certified dermatologist or esthetician to discuss how we can help.
