Tips for Winter Skincare
Caring for your skin during the winter can be a challenge. While the cold air can be harsh on your skin, the warm, dry air inside can wreak havoc on your skin’s barrier.
These conditions, if not mitigated, can contribute to wrinkling and sagging of skin that hasn’t been properly cleaned and moisturized winter after winter.
So it’s important that you understand the specific requirements of winter skincare that differ from the rest of the year when the temperatures and humidity rise.
Moisturizers to Keep Your Skin Hydrated All Winter
Most patients seeking plastic surgery for wrinkles are troubled by those on their face. And many didn’t know that the lighter lotions they used during the warmer months weren’t giving their winter skin the care it needed.
In the cold of January, February, and even March, it’s a good idea to shift to creams, oils, or balms. You want to back off from products containing glycolic or salicylic acids in the winter because the exfoliating properties in these acids won’t do much to hydrate the skin. A better option is products containing hyaluronic acid or jojoba oil. There are also lactic acid moisturizers on the market that are able to exfoliate flaky and dry skin while balancing that with hydration. Some experimentation may be required.
Yet, while facial wrinkles may be the most obvious, keeping the skin on the rest of the body hydrated is also important to slow the aging process. Just as is the case with your regular facial moisturizer, your body may need something thicker for the winter months.
While products that you can pump from a bottle may provide enough hydration, if you’re struggling with dry and itchy skin, switch to ointments or creams you either squeeze from a tube or scoop from a tub. These thicker formulations tend to pack more moisture. Also look for products containing hyaluronic acid (again), as well as glycerin, shea butter, lanolin, and/or mineral oil. And lather your winter moisturizer on your skin while your body is still slightly wet after a shower (preferably) or a bath.
Cleansers for Winter Skincare
Your winter facial cleanser should put moisture into your skin rather than take it out. Avoid products that contain alcohol and stick with those that specifically note ‘moisturizing’ or ‘gentle.’ You’ll still get the cleansing power you need without the drying. Then apply your moisturizer while the face is still slightly damp from washing it.
Much of the same advice about moisturizers for your body applies to cleansers. In terms of ability to moisturize, the creamier, the better. If your skin is easily irritated in the winter months, you may also want to switch to fragrance-free cleansers, as fragrances can exacerbate that irritation.
Sunscreen and Rejuvenating Products
It’s easy to forget the sunscreen in the winter months. After all, we’re fully covered and buried under so many layers of clothing. Even so, there are many winter days when your face, neck, ears, and hands may be exposed to the sun. And with all of the reflection off the snow, those UV rays can be powerful.
Slather those exposed body parts with a broad-spectrum and moisturizing sunscreen that offers an SPF of at least 30 to keep your skin protected from the damaging effects of the sun. If you can’t find a moisturizing sunscreen, then apply it after your regular moisturizer.
Finally, as much as you may be troubled by developing fine lines and wrinkles, many skin specialists recommend lessening the use of rejuvenating or anti-aging products. They contain ingredients such as glycolic acid, salicylic acid, or retinol that can be very drying. During the winter months, you may want to look for OTC products with a lower concentration of such ingredients. Then you can go back to the stronger formula in the spring.
Take Care of Your Skin This Winter
As you’ve probably noticed, winter can be particularly brutal on your skin. As such, winter skincare is essential in keeping your skin looking young and healthy for as long as possible.
We hope the above information helps you keep some glow and resilience in your skin during this tough winter season.
Meanwhile, if you’re curious about a plastic surgery procedure that can address serious wrinkles or sagging skin, contact us today. And envision yourself moving into spring and summer with more confidence.