Complements Protect Your Skin from Harsh Winter Weather
01/04/24
As the cooler air sets in it’s important to take care of your skin. To maintain healthy skin all year, don’t forget these tips to round out your skincare routine.
Stay Hydrated
Proper hydration is key for maintaining healthy skin during the winter months. Cold weather can dry out your skin, making it feel tight and itchy. To combat this, make sure to drink plenty of water. We all know hydration is essential for our bodies to function properly, but don’t forget it is also very important for skin health.
Exfoliate
Did you know your skin naturally sheds dead skin cells about every 30 days allowing new skin to form on the top layer? A gentle exfoliator removes dead skin cells that are very porous and absorb a lot of your moisturizer which doesn’t allow much to get deep into the skin where it is needed most. It’s important to exfoliate your skin 2-3 times a week to remove dead skin and help healthy skin cells regenerate.
There are multiple ways to exfoliate so find what works best for you and your skin type. If you use a scrub or chemical exfoliator, apply the product gently using small, circular motions. Do this for about 30 seconds, and then rinse off with lukewarm water. If you use a brush or sponge, use short light strokes. Never exfoliate if you have open cuts or wounds or if your skin is sunburned.
Cleanse & Moisturize
Cleansing no matter what time of the year is extremely important because it is the first step in your skin care regimen. Depending on your skin type, switching to a gentler cleanser during the winter months might be necessary due to skin becoming more dry and sensitive. Don’t forget to always cleanse and remove makeup before you go to bed, no matter how tired you may be. Leaving makeup on your face while you sleep can introduce bacteria and oil and cause breakouts to occur.
After you cleanse your skin, apply moisturizer to help your skin stay hydrated. If you are experiencing dry patches of skin, apply a thin amount of a barrier repair cream to the affected area.
Never Skip the Sunscreen
One of the biggest misconceptions people have about their skin in the winter is that you don’t need to apply sunscreen! The reality is that UV rays are present all year and these harmful rays reflect off the snow and ice. In higher elevations, it is believed that the presence of UV rays actually increases and time spent outside enjoying outdoor sports like skiing, raises the risk of skin damage due to sun exposure. It's important to protect your skin by wearing sunscreen and protective clothing such as gloves, scarves, and hats.
Sunscreen is an essential part of any winter skincare routine. Not only does it protect you against UVB rays, which are responsible for sunburn, but it also protects against UVA rays, which are responsible for aging and certain types of skin cancer. When selecting a sunscreen, it's important to look for one that offers hydration during winter months, as well as broad-spectrum protection and has an SPF of at least 30.
If you need help creating a skin care routine or finding the right products for your skin type Mount Nittany Health Reconstructive and Cosmetic Surgery is here to help, call us at 814.231.7878.
