Winter is a time when skin suffers the most. With low temperatures, harsh winds, and dry air, the skin becomes dry, flaky, and dull. Listed below are a few tips to keep your skin healthy and glowing this winter.
- Wear Sunscreen
It is important to wear sunscreens in the winter, too! The sun can still damage your skin when it is overcast outside. Your skin can be damaged with as little as ten minutes of sun exposure. Wearing sunscreen will help to protect your skin from the dangers of UVA and UVB rays. The key is to reapply the sunscreen frequently throughout the day to prevent burning and to keep it effective. Consider using a face moisturizer with SPF in it to protect your face as well. If you wear makeup, choose a foundation that also has SPF protection in them. Many tinted moisturizers also come with this. Make sure you’re applying it every day before heading out into the sunshine. Also, consider wearing sunglasses to protect your eyes from harmful UV rays. Your lips need extra protection from the sun too. Choose a lip balm with at least SPF 15 built in to avoid sunburned lips.
If you’re spending time outdoors during the day, then limit your time in direct sunlight. The sun is at its strongest around lunchtime, so try to schedule your outdoor activities for early morning or late afternoon. If you find that you’re unable to avoid the sun at all, then at least cover up exposed areas of your face. You can wear a scarf around your head to help shield your face. Wear a hat, if appropriate, and cover as much skin as possible. Remember that even overcast days can expose you to harmful UV rays. So be sure to apply your sunscreen daily, even when it’s cloudy out.
- Stay Hydrated
It’s common for skin to become much drier in the winter, which can contribute heavily to the development of wrinkles and lines on the face. While you may not be able to completely stop your skin from drying out, you can help it to retain as much moisture as possible by drinking a lot of water throughout the day. Not only will this help keep your skin moisturized, but it’ll also prevent dehydration and help you stay energized and healthy overall.
In addition to drinking water, fruits and vegetable with a high water content can also help keep your body well hydrated and may even contain vitamins that help with the overall health of your skin. Try to eat several servings of fruits and vegetables per day to make sure you’re getting enough fluid each day. You may also consider investing in a high-quality humidifier for your home to help replace the moisture in the air and prevent dry skin.
- Moisturize Regularly
Even during colder weather, it’s important to moisturize your face twice a day with a product formulated for your skin type. This will help keep skin hydrated and supple during the harsh elements. Use a humidifier in your bedroom at night to keep the air moist while sleeping. You’ll also want to protect your lips with lip balm or lipstick to ensure they don’t become chapped.
- Exfoliate Regularly
As the winter rolls in, your skin can begin to feel rougher than usual. While your regular skin care products for acne and dry skin are still helpful, you can benefit from adding an exfoliating scrub to your weekly routine. Dead skin cells build up on the surface of your face when you do not exfoliate regularly. This can cause your pores to become clogged with debris and oils, which can cause breakouts. Adding an exfoliator to your routine can help you remove these dead skin cells, giving you a more even skin tone and reducing the likelihood of a breakout.
Please reach out to our practice in Wyandotte, MI, to have a consultation with our doctor, Dr. Abrahamson. Please call us at (734) 287-3000 or schedule an online consultation, and we’ll guide you further.
