Posted by: Skin And Cancer Institute in Medical Dermatology
For those living in Arizona, wintertime means humidity levels plummet and temperatures drop significantly from their usual scorching highs. As the air gets colder and dryer, it can expose your skin to harsh elements that cause dryness, flaking, irritation, and redness – all symptoms of an unhappy complexion. But don’t let the climate put you off from enjoying the season! You can easily fight against these conditions with a few simple tips for winter skincare. Whatever your particular skincare needs may be—acne-prone skin or simply preventing signs of aging—we’ll share with you everything you need to know when prepping for cold weather ahead. Read on as we provide dermatology-approved advice sighted by Arizonan patients like yourself!
Choose a Gentle Cleanser
Every day, our skin goes through a lot- from harsh environmental pollutants to layers of makeup. And while it’s tempting to use a strong cleanser to rid our face of all the dirt and grime, it may strip our skin of the natural oils that keep it healthy and hydrated. With winter weather, our natural skin barrier can become compromised, leading to dry and flaky skin. To prevent this, opt for a gentle cleanser that’s free of harsh chemicals or fragrances. Look for ingredients like hyaluronic acid or glycerin to lock in moisture while effectively cleaning your skin. Not only will it leave your skin feeling fresh and clean, but it will boost your winter skin care routine.
Moisturize Regularly
As the temperatures drop, so does our skin’s moisture levels. Especially if you have sensitive skin, the extreme cold and dryness can wreak havoc on your complexion. To combat this, it’s essential to moisturize regularly, both morning and night. Look for oil-based or ointment moisturizers that create a protective layer over the skin to lock in moisture. Avoid lotions with alcohol as they tend to dry out the skin even further. And don’t forget about your lips! Use a hydrating lip balm to prevent chapping and cracked lips.
Use Sunscreen
Just because it’s winter, doesn’t mean you can ditch the sunscreen! The sun’s rays are still present during the colder months, and snow can reflect up to 80% of UV rays. It’s crucial to continue using sunscreen with at least SPF 30 on all exposed areas of your skin, including your face and hands. Reapply every two hours if you’re spending time outdoors to protect your skin from harmful UV rays and prevent premature aging.
Add a Face Mask
Face masks are an excellent addition to any skin care routine, especially during the winter weather months. Not only do they provide extra hydration and nourishment to the skin, but they also target specific skin care concerns such as acne, dryness, or aging. Look for a hydrating mask with ingredients like honey, avocado, or hyaluronic acid. Or try a clay mask to draw out impurities and excess oil from the skin.
Increase Your Intake of Healthy Fats
Healthy fat is not something that many of us think about when it comes to our diets, but it is incredibly important. By increasing our intake of healthy fats, such as omega-3 fatty acids, we can reduce inflammation and even maintain hydrated skin. This means that we will not only feel better internally but also look better externally. There are a number of different foods that are high in omega-3 fatty acids, including fish, nuts, and seeds, so it is easy to incorporate them into our daily diets. Whether by snacking on almonds or adding salmon to our dinner plates, increasing our healthy fat intake is an easy step towards a healthier life.
Invest in a Humidifier
Living in an area with low humidity can be tough on your health and home. From dry skin to cracked lips, it’s not uncommon to experience discomfort. Luckily, there’s an easy solution: invest in a humidifier. Not only will it help relieve symptoms, but it can also improve the overall air quality in your home. Plus, they’ll thank you for the extra moisture if you have wooden furniture or floors. Don’t let low humidity drag you down any longer – try a humidifier and feel the difference.
Exfoliate Regularly
Maintaining a glowing complexion requires effort and exfoliation is a crucial step in achieving beautiful, radiant skin. Regularly exfoliating with a gentle scrub or mask helps to remove dead skin cells and unclog pores while promoting cell turnover. It helps brighten your skin and allows for better absorption of your other skincare products. However, it’s essential to choose the right exfoliator for your skin type to prevent any irritation. So, add exfoliation to your weekly skincare routine to reveal your best skin yet!
Drink Plenty of Water
Water is essential for maintaining healthy skin and eliminating harmful toxins from our bodies. While it may seem like a simple solution, drinking plenty of water can work wonders for keeping skin hydrated and radiant. Water helps to flush out impurities that can lead to breakouts and blemishes, leaving your skin feeling clean and refreshed. By staying adequately hydrated, you can help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and keep your skin looking youthful and vibrant. So the next time you’re feeling thirsty, reach for a glass of water and give your skin the hydration it needs!
Conclusion
Don’t let the winter weather bring you down and wreak havoc on your skin. With these tips and tricks, you’ll be able to maintain a healthy and glowing complexion all season long. Remember to choose gentle products, moisturize regularly, protect your skin from the sun, add face masks to your routine, increase your intake of healthy fats, invest in a humidifier, exfoliate regularly, and drink plenty of water. By following these dermatology-approved advice, you’ll be well on your way to achieving healthy, hydrated, and radiant skin in the winter weather ahead. Want extra support? Book an appointment with The Skin and Cancer Institute, and our team of experts can help you achieve your skin goals all year round.