Stepping Up Your Winter Skin Care Routine

As the temperatures drop this time of year, the humidity in the air also decreases. Humidity, or moisture in the air, helps to moisturize our skin. But when the air is dry, it can actually pull moisture from the skin, leaving it dry, cracked, itchy or irritated.

The first step in protecting your skin from environmental stressors is to improve the health of your skin barrier. The skin barrier is a protective layer on the surface of your skin comprised of lipids, or fats, and proteins. When healthy, this layer works to keep bacteria and toxins out and support the skin’s production of natural sebum, an oil that keeps skin moisturized. This important barrier also helps with the growth of healthy skin cells.

Unfortunately, when the skin barrier is damaged, it can become more difficult for your skin to protect itself from environmental stressors like harmful UV rays, pollution and dry air. This can cause the skin to become dry, sensitive and irritated.

To protect your skin health this winter, consider adding the following steps to your skin care routine:

Stay Hydrated

Water is a key component of a good skin care routine year-round, but it’s especially important during the winter months when your environment becomes drier. Dehydrated skin is more prone to irritation and may become rough, itchy and flaky. Consuming the recommended 8 glasses of water a day can keep your skin supple and smooth and reduce the appearance of wrinkles.

When you shower or wash your face or hands, you strip your skin of the natural oils it needs to lock in moisture. It’s important to apply a moisturizer immediately after bathing and before dressing, to replenish your skin barrier with oils that can lock in moisture throughout the day. During the winter months, a heavier, cream-based moisturizer with emollients is recommended in place of lighter, gel-based moisturizers or lotions. Because emollients are heavier, they can take longer to absorb into the skin. Overnight treatments are a great way to allow emollients to replenish your skin with oils and nutrients it needs.  

Cleanse and Exfoliate

Cleansers and exfoliators help to keep skin clean and prevent breakouts and clogged pores. But over exfoliating can break the skin’s barrier and cause inflammation or irritation. During winter months, it is recommended to use a mild cleanser and to exfoliate two to three times per week. Apply using gentle, circular motions with your fingertips or a washcloth to rid your skin of dead skin cells and help to stimulate blood flow to your skin, giving it a bright and healthy glow.

Protect Your Skin from the Environment

Just because you may not feel the sun’s warmth in the winter months, doesn’t mean your skin is not enduring it’s harmful UV rays. In fact, on a clear sunny day in winter, snow can reflect up to 90% of UV rays back onto you. This means you could be exposed to twice as many harmful rays while enjoying the outdoors. Always include a sunscreen with a minimum of SPF 30 protection in your daily skin care routine. In addition, consider wearing a scarf and hat to protect your exposed skin from the elements, including sunlight.

Additional Winter Skin Care Tips:

• Make healthy diet choices – consuming foods rich in vitamin A, C and E as well as antioxidants can help retain moisture and boost your body’s sebum production.
• Wear loose fitting clothes – Tight fitting clothing can irritate dry or damaged skin. Give your skin room to breathe and heal by wearing loose, comfortable clothing.
• Consider using a humidifier to add moisture to dry air in your home.