Even in an unprecedented year like 2020, there are a lot of things to love about winter — curling up with a mug of tea or cocoa and your favorite movie, fresh snow, and the beauty of twinkling holiday lights. One thing no one loves this time of year? Dry skin.
Dry Air = Dry Skin
As the temperatures drop, it can wreak havoc on your skin, causing it to get dry, flaky, or even crack. One of the leading culprits of dry winter skin is drier air in your home. It is natural to want to crank the heat in your home, but the increase in temperature sucks hydration from your skin.
Use Humidifiers Throughout Your Home
Investing in a humidifier will help add moisture back into the air and help your home seem warmer. It is recommended to use a humidifier in your main rooms — bedroom, living room, and if you are working from home, your office space.
To complement using a humidifier, it is recommended to keep your home at a comfortable setting between 68°F to 72°F to ensure you feel warm without drying out your skin.
Moisturize!
Moisturizing is essential throughout every season! It’s easy to think that our skin is more protected because we wear more clothing in the winter. While our exposure to harmful UV rays decreases in the winter, the need for proper moisturizing goes up. Additionally, many people aren’t using the right moisturizers for the winter months — the products you love during the summer may not have the hydration benefits you need to keep your skin happy during the winter.
It is recommended you switch to a rich body lotion or cream to help trap existing moisture in your skin. The best time to moisturize is right after you wash your hands or get out of the shower, as this helps your skin retain more moisture.
Stay Hydrated
Keeping your skin properly moisturized not only means moisturizing with lotions and creams — it means staying hydrated. Drinking plenty of water is important to your overall health but is essential for your skin during the winter months when we tend to lose more moisture. If you want to get warm and cozy and get hydrated, a warm mug of tea is the perfect remedy!
Exfoliate
For lotion to fully penetrate your skin, it is recommended you lightly exfoliate to remove dead skin. However, if your skin is dehydrated and cracked, it is best to skip exfoliation and focus more on helping your skin heal and retain moisture.
Avoid Hot Showers
After being out in the cold or having a long day, a hot shower can be incredibly relaxing — but your time washing away the day may be causing your skin to dry out even more. This is because the hot water strips your skin of its natural moisture. To avoid irritating your skin, opt for a lukewarm shower, moisturize with your favorite lotion, and then get cozy under a blanket and warm pajamas. This will help your skin better retain much-needed moisture!
Maintain a Healthy Diet
As the holidays come and go, our homes are often filled with tempting sweets and treats. While there is nothing wrong with enjoying some extra desserts every once in a while, maintaining a healthy diet benefits your skin. Increasing your daily intake of healthy fats found in foods such as olive oil, walnuts, and avocados may help dry skin.
Dress for the Weather
Whether you live in Midlothian or the frozen tundra of New England, it’s important to dress for the weather. By wearing clothes and gear that protects your skin from the elements, it ensures your skin retains moisture. If you are inclined to bundle up in materials that may irritate your skin (like wool), you must wear a breathable shirt underneath. Alternatively, you can swap out itchy wool for a fleece or cashmere sweater.
Treat Yourself To A Spa Day
While the majority of recommendations in this article are for at-home care, a spa day can help you feel pampered — and also give you an idea of what types of products to use to restore health and radiance to your skin. At Club West Med Spa, our team is committed to helping our clients live beautifully. We will work with you to determine which skincare products best fit your lifestyle and skincare routine.
To schedule your next facial or body treatment, please contact us at 804-897-5297.