Ways to Rescue Your Dry Winter Skin

Things you can do to get your silky summer skin back even in the cold months

From the LifeMinute.TV Team

January 7, 2022

The cold winter months can wreak havoc on your body’s largest organ, your skin. There are, however, things you can do right now to get your silky smooth summer skin back. Here are our favorites for beating the harsh effects of bitter winter weather.

Switch to a Winter Skin Regimen
As the seasons change, so should our skincare routine. What worked in the humid summer probably won’t work in the winter. So scale back on anti-aging products containing alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) and retinoids, all of which can aggravate your skin. You will do more good for your skin in the long run by keeping it properly hydrated.

Know How to Moisturize
Moisturizing better is sometimes more effective than moisturizing more. Dermatologists say the best time to apply moisturizer is immediately after washing. It can trap existing moisture in your skin. After gently patting the skin dry, apply a thick layer. Apply moisturizer twice daily, once in the morning and once at night.  Since fragrances can irritate the skin, avoid moisturizers and other products containing them, such as cleansers and body wash. However, your hands are a different story. Since you are washing your hands more often during cold and flu season to kill germs, to avoid chapping, moisturize them more often.

Get a Humidifier
The winter months are often extremely dry, leaving your skin craving moisture. Humidifiers put moisture back into the air around you, so your skin doesn’t dry out as easily. Consider running one in your room while you sleep. You can also keep one on throughout the day as you work around the house.

Avoid Heat
Taking long hot showers or cranking up your thermostat is considered bad for your epidermis. The heat can cause damage to the keratin cells located on the most outer layer of the skin. Though it’s chilly out, opt for lukewarm water for bathing. And keep your home at a cool and comfortable temperature.

Mind Your Diet
Eating foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids such as salmon, chia seeds, or walnuts may help moisturize the skin. You can also try a supplement like fish oil or flaxseed oil. To stay hydrated, make sure to drink water too. The Institute of Medicine has recommended about 9-13 cups per day for adequate intake. 

Don’t Forget Sunscreen
A critical mistake people make in the winter months is foregoing sunscreen. Even though the sun's UV rays are strongest in the summer, they can still cause damage in the winter, especially on reflective surfaces such as ice or snow. And surprisingly, the sun is closer to the earth during the winter months, so apply sunscreen daily. A broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF 30 or higher offers better protection.