How To Get Your Skin Ready for Winter
Winter might not be here yet, but it’s never too soon to start preparing your skin for the cold, dry weather. If you’re not sure how to prepare your skin for winter, here are a few tips to help you out.
How to Prepare Your Skin for Winter
Switch to a Heavier Moisturizer
While the summer months can feel almost too humid, winter is another story entirely. Moisturizing is going to become even more important as moisture leaves the air. One of the easiest and most important things you can do to prepare your skin is switch to a heavier moisturizer. If you have an over-the-counter eczema cream handy, it will be perfect for those cold winter days when your skin needs a little extra moisture and TLC. If you’re not sure what to look for in a winter moisturizer, it’s always good to look for an oil-based lotion. These lotions are typically an excellent option for dry skin because they help supplement natural oils that dry skin doesn’t produce enough of. So in the winter when there’s less moisture in the air and your skin is in need of some extra oil, your oil-based moisturizer can get the job done. Your thick moisturizer will create a nice barrier that helps further protect your skin from the harsh elements. Remember to moisturize frequently, especially on your hands and around your face!
Invest in a Humidifier
The cold winter air holds a lot less moisture than warm summer air. Unfortunately, this means your skin will have a tougher time staying supple, even inside. Just as the air outside gets harsh and dry in the winter, so too does the air in your home. In fact, forced-air heating systems are notorious for contributing to dry air and dry skin during the colder months. If you want to ease some of your discomfort and give your skin some of the moisture it needs, consider investing in an air humidifier. Running a humidifier in your home during the winter months is an excellent addition to adjusting the rest of your skin care routine. The last thing you want during the winter months is a dry skin rash that could be prevented with a few simple changes in your home.
Exfoliate on a Regular Basis
It might seem counterintuitive to exfoliate your skin when you need its protection the most, but this practice is actually incredibly important during the winter months. Not only can a lack of exfoliation lead to a dull complexion, but the buildup of dead skin cells can actually interfere with the performance of your skincare products. Make a point to exfoliate once or twice weekly to keep your skin looking bright and to keep reaping the benefits of your moisturizer. If you’re not sure how to moisturize safely at home, make sure to visit your dermatologist to ask for recommendations. The last thing you want to do is over-exfoliate and end up irritating your skin to the point of needing rash treatment.
Preparing your skin for winter is an important part of taking care of your body. If you’re not sure which products to invest in or how to care for your skin during the winter months, set up an appointment with SE Dermatology Specialists today.