Autumn is well underway, and with winter right around the corner, your skin might be feeling the seasonal shift!
Even though the temperatures don’t drop to sub-zero levels in the Greater Richmond region, the moderate cold we experience in this part of Virginia can still do a number on our skin.
Based in Midlothian, VA, Club West Med Spa has seen what the winter can do to people’s skin ‒ and we’re here to share our best fall and winter skin care tips so you can maintain the softness and suppleness of your skin, no matter how cold and dry it gets to be outside!
If you’re interested in scheduling an appointment at our spa, contact us today.
Moisturize Every Day
As the weather gets colder, our skin is more prone to becoming dry. By moisturizing every day, you can prevent dryness and irritation and maintain a soft and healthy complexion.
Even if you are already moisturizing every day, your skin may be extra sensitive to the cold. You may not be moisturizing enough, and if you need to moisturize 2-3 times per day in the fall and winter, you should. Or, it very well may be time to switch up your moisturizer and opt for one that is thicker or contains natural ingredients like coconut oil, shea butter, aloe, or oat.
Chances are that you moisturize your skin after taking a shower. In the fall and wintertime, nothing beats a hot shower, but you could be doing your skin and moisturizer a disservice by staying in a hot shower for too long. Hot water will dry your skin out, so we recommend turning the heat down, taking shorter showers, and pat drying your skin afterward with a towel.
Need a recommendation for a moisturizer and other fall and winter skin care tips? Get in touch with Club West Med Spa! Our aestheticians are happy to help!
Humidify Your Home
Between the cold temperatures and the dry air caused by heating systems, moisturizing your skin every day may not cut it. With that said, we recommend maintaining a moist environment in your home.
Using a humidifier is the best way to add moisture to dry air, but there are other measures you can take:
- Add houseplants to your home.
- Open the bathroom door when taking a steamy shower.
- Minimize use of your dryer (& hang clothes to dry.)
- Cook more on the stovetop or boil more water.
- Place bowls of water near radiators/heat registers.
Humidifying your home will not only prevent skin dryness but will also ward off a scratchy throat, dry cough, cracked lips, static electricity, and sinus headaches.
What are some other fall and winter skin care tips? Read on to take your skin care regimen to the next level during the cold months!
Pamper Yourself at Home
We indeed spend more time indoors during the cold months. So while you’re watching Netflix or staying cozy at home, give your skin some much-needed TLC.
Create a relaxing, spa-like environment at home by lighting some candles, dimming the lights, and playing ambient music. Before giving yourself a facial, remove all makeup and thoroughly wash your face with an oil-based cleanser, followed by a water-based cleanser. Steam your skin by hovering your face over a bowl of hot water and placing a towel over your head.
Exfoliating your skin will remove dead skin cells and promote new cell growth. However, limit your exfoliation treatments to one to two times per month. Over-exfoliation can make skin more prone to dryness and inflammation in the winter. After exfoliating, make sure you apply hydrating moisturizers and serums.
Treat Yourself to a Day at the Spa
When you need a little getaway from the chilly temperatures and the daily grind, treat yourself to a day at a spa!
Whether you’d like to pamper yourself with facials, massages, medical spa treatment, or a combination of these services, Club West Med Spa has something in store for you to curb the wintertime blues and make you feel refreshed and anew.
After all, relaxing and minimizing stress are essential to maintaining healthy, glowing skin ‒ and our aestheticians would be happy to share more personal fall and winter skin care tips with you.
Nourish & Hydrate Yourself
Eating right and drinking enough water is important year-round. But when it comes to preventing dry skin in the fall and winter, staying nourished and hydrated can go the extra mile for your complexion.
As a general rule of thumb, adults should drink four to six cups of water each day. You can vary up your water intake by infusing water or herbal tea with lemons or oranges. (Citrus fruits contain high levels of antioxidants which can help remove dead skin cells and encourage new cell growth.) You can also supplement your beverages with collagen supplements.
What are the best foods to eat for healthy skin in the wintertime? Here’s a breakdown:
- Salmon & other fatty fish (for their rich supply of skin-boosting omega-3 fatty acids.)
- Avocados (fortunately, they are in season from January through March!)
- Pumpkin seeds (they are high in zinc & make a great snack.)
- Sweet potatoes (a great source of vitamin A that pairs well with protein on a cold night.)
- Homemade broccoli or butternut squash soup (delicious in the winter AND great for hair & skin!)
Instead of indulging in holiday cookies, alcohol, and pies over the fall and winter, curb your sweet tooth with a serving of dark chocolate (1-2 oz, or about 1 to 2 squares). Dark chocolate is rich in flavonoids, which can protect your skin and leave it feeling smooth and plump. Make sure your chocolate is at least 70% cocoa. Sugary milk chocolate can increase your chances of an acne breakout.
We Love Fall & Winter Skin Care Tips ‒ & We Hope You Will, Too
Our skin doesn’t have to take the brunt when the cold weather arrives. With these fall and winter skin care tips, you can achieve and maintain your healthiest and most beautiful complexion – the snow and frigid temperatures won’t stand a chance!
Have questions about a particular skin problem? Does your skin break out or experience extreme dryness in the fall and winter? Club West Med Spa is here to help! Contact us today to schedule a consultation or if you’d like recommendations for moisturizers and other skin care products. We invite patients throughout Midlothian, VA, and the Greater Richmond region to our day spa all winter long!