Whether you enjoy outdoor winter activities or take these months to hibernate, the brutal cold is around the corner and ready to take a toll on our skin. Negative temperatures leave our skin red, itchy, and irritated if not taken care of properly. Now is the time to adjust your skincare routine and give your skin a head start. Read our blog as we discuss helpful tips for healthy winter skin.

A high-quality humidifier will add much-needed moisture to the air to keep your skin hydrated. If you’re still working from home, run a humidifier in the room where you spend most of your time like the bedroom or in your home office. The added moisture to the air will keep your skin feeling youthful and healthier.

Our lips are just as affected by the cold as the rest of our body. To protect your lips, apply a generous coat of lip balm with sunscreen built-in. Avoid purchasing lip balms with alcohol listed as their first ingredient, as alcohol acts as a drying agent and will accelerate the dehydration of your lips. Lip balms that are made of mostly shea, aloe, and cocoa butter as common ingredients will soothe and moisturize.

During the winter, the more time we spend indoors with the heat cranked up, the more dehydrated we become. Remember, taking care of our skin starts internally. Make sure to drink plenty of water and incorporate foods that contain omega-3 fatty acids, like fish and flaxseed oil, into your diet to heal your skin from the inside, out.

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 ice fishing, snowmobiling, 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.

A long, hot shower may be appealing when the temperature plummets, but 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 cooler water is just as effective on germs as hot water and much less irritating to the skin.

Swap out your generic face wash for a gentler, cream-based cleanser and limit the use of toners and astringents. Products that contain alcohol and fragrances can cause further irritation and dryness, so it’s important to use products that help retain your natural oils. Also, try replacing your nightly face lotion with a thick night cream to combat the dry weather that your skin has braved all day. If you are unfamiliar with the variety of products, ask your skincare professional for recommendations.

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.