If you’ve ever had to deal with a harsh winter in the Pacific Northwest, then you are no stranger to dry, cracked skin, chapped lips, and numerous other skin issues that the frigid cold can bring. While some of these ailments can be healed with a brush of chapstick, others can stay around longer if not treated, even leaving scars and never quite healing all the way when winter is over.
This article will give you many tips on how to protect your skin during the wintertime and how to treat any issues that may arise from temperature drops and icy winds. You don’t have to wait until summer to have glowing skin and you also still need to protect it from the sun during the winter. Here are some ways to go about doing just that.
Use SPF
Even on gray days, the sun’s UVB rays can irritate and burn your skin. Snow and ice can even reflect the sun during the winter, which aid the sun’s rays that cause skin irritations and sunburn. Use SPF 30 on your skin daily if you are going outside, if you can get an SPF with added moisturizer, even better.
Moisturize After Washing
Constant washing and drying of the hands and face can leave your skin dry and irritated. Make sure to moisturize with a hypoallergenic moisturizer after you wash your hands. It may seem tedious, especially if you have a job where you must wash at a consistent rate, but your soft, healthy skin will thank you.
Watch the Heat at Home
Wanting to crank the heat up to 80 after being outside in freezing temperatures can be tempting, but having your house too warm can dry out your skin. Try to keep your home at a comfortable 68 if you are able during the winter.
Keep an Eye on Ingredients in Your Skincare Products
Added perfumes and fragrances can irritate and cause rashes on the skin, especially if it is drier than normal due to the cold weather. Cracked skin can lead to rashes if your skin is at all sensitive to the additives in some moisturizers, soaps and beauty products.
Cover up When Outside
Walk your winter runway in as many layers as you can. Keeping your skin warm and dry under all those clothes will make sure it is protected from the harsh wind and cold outside.
Stay Out of Extreme Cold
Freezing temperatures can cause your skin to crack and bleed if you are out in it for too long. Keep indoors if the temperature turns extreme as you can get frostbite and other skin disorders if you stay out in freezing temperatures.
Use a Humidifier
Humidifiers help put moisture back into the air and thus, will keep your skin looking supple and moisturized throughout the winter months. A good practice is to keep your humidifier on while you sleep, allowing your skin to enjoy the maximum benefits of the humidifier since you are stationary and in the same room the whole time. Those 7-8 hours can make all the difference when it comes to your skin’s winter health.
Wear Comfortable Clothing
Avoid chafing by wearing comfortable, loose fitting clothing if you are going to be out in the cold. Make sure to wear abrasive fabrics like some types of wool over more soft, breathable garments made of cotton or silk. This way, you can get the benefits of wool without its scratchy, skin irritating feel.
Stay Hydrated
Being hydrated is great for many health reasons, and being hydrated in the winter is no different. When you stay hydrated during the coldest time of the year, your skin won’t dry out as fast. Being dehydrated is bad for your skin and your body.
Take Warm, Not Hot, Showers
Hot showers can cause “winter-itch” where your skin becomes irritated. One of these reasons is that hot water can dry out the skin, so using warm water is advised to keep the scratching at bay.
Protect Your Lips
Lip balms with SPF and/or petroleum are great for keeping your lips soft and moisturized. Chapped lips can be very uncomfortable and cause bleeding as well.
Get Year Round Skin Care with Dulce Lash
At Dulce Lash and Skin, our team of skilled master aestheticians are here to help you create a personalized plan to address your skincare needs. We know how the cold winter months can affect your skin and so we offer a range of skin services to fit all of your skincare needs.
From anti-aging medical spa treatments, Microneedling w/PRP (also known as the “Vampire Facelift”), Oxygen Facial Treatments, and IPL lasers, to skin rejuvenation procedures (microdermabrasion and chemical peels) and therapeutic and relaxing facial treatments, we want to help you look and feel your best.
Call for more information or book your appointment today at one of our five beautiful locations across Washington State.
We look forward to seeing you!