It’s hard to believe but winter is just around the corner. The cold, dry Minnesota air can deplete skin of natural moisture, leaving it red, itchy, and irritated. It’s time to start thinking about adjusting your skincare routine so you can feel your best all season long. Read our blog as we discuss helpful tips for healthy winter skin.

Add a humidifier to maximize moisture

A high-quality humidifier will add much needed moisture to the air to keep your skin hydrated during the colder months. With many of us working from home these days, it’s a good idea to run the humidifier in the room where you spend most of your time like the bedroom or in your home office.

Stay hydrated and eat right

This goes without saying. During the winter, the more time we spend indoors with the heat cranked up, the more dehydrated we become. Dry, indoor air can wreak havoc on our skin. Make sure to drink plenty of water and incorporate foods that contain omega-3 fatty acids, like fish and flaxseed oil, into your diet.

Apply sunscreen (even on cloudy or gray days)

Yep, you read that right – sunscreen. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, the snow can reflect up to 80 percent of the sun’s rays, so regular sunscreen use is crucial to decrease your risk of exposure. Whether you’re hitting the slopes or snowshoeing through a park, applying sunscreen in the winter is just as important as in the summer. And, during those dark, dreary days, UV rays can still penetrate the clouds. Make sure to apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15 to all exposed areas of the body.

Limit the amount of time in the shower

A long, steamy shower may be tempting when it’s cold outside, but did you know excessively hot water can dry out your skin? The American Academy of Dermatology suggests taking a lukewarm shower for five to ten minutes and avoid washing hands in hot water. Using cool water is just as effective on germs as warm water and much less irritating to the skin.

Change up your skincare regimen

It’s a fact – skin requires more moisture in the winter, so we recommend changing up your skincare regimen when the cold weather hits. Choose gentle, fragrance-free, cream-based cleansers and limit the use of toners and/or astringents. Products that contain alcohol and fragrances can further dry out the skin, so it’s important to use products that help retain natural oils. Don’t forget to apply a rich moisturizer on your face at night to help combat the dryness and keep your skin glowing all season long. Ask your skincare professional for product recommendations during the colder months.

Wear comfortable, breathable fabrics

Many cold-weather fabrics such as wool can exacerbate dry skin, causing redness, itchiness, and discomfort. When you bundle up this winter, opt for layers of light, breathable fabric like cotton or silk under your heavy wool sweater. And don’t forget to protect your hands with a pair of gloves or mittens that won’t irritate the skin.

The experts at Belladerm MedSpa are ready to assist with all your winter skincare needs. For more information or to schedule a free consultation, call or visit us online at www.belladermmedspa.com.