As winter approaches, the crisp air, snow-covered landscapes and cozy evenings by the fireplace create a picturesque scene. However, it’s not just the weather that changes during this time of the year—your skin does too. Wintertime poses a special problem for your skin because humidity is low both outdoors and indoors, and the water content of the epidermis (the outermost layer of skin) tends to reflect the level of humidity around it. The low level of humidity in your skin can leave you feeling uncomfortable and less confident in your own skin. The good news is that there are several effective strategies to combat dry skin and keep it moisturized and healthy all season long.
In this article, we’ll focus on the common issue of dry skin during winter and offer valuable advice on moisturizing routines, hydrating products, and lifestyle adjustments.
Understanding the Causes of Winter Dryness
Dry skin can be caused by many things, but the low temperature and the lack of humidity in the air can be the main factors. It’s essential to understand why this issue becomes more prevalent during the colder months.
Several factors contribute to dry skin in winter:
- Low Humidity: Cold air holds less moisture, and indoor heating systems further reduce humidity levels. This combination can leave your skin parched and in need of hydration.
- Hot Showers: While they may be tempting on chilly days, long, hot showers can strip your skin of its natural oils, exacerbating dryness.
- Harsh Winds: Exposure to biting winds can damage the skin’s natural barrier, making it more susceptible to moisture loss.
- Lack of Sunscreen: Even in winter, UV rays can be harmful to your skin. Failure to protect your skin from the sun can lead to dryness and premature aging.
Winter skin care tips and tricks
Switch to a Gentle Cleanser: Use a mild, hydrating cleanser to preserve your skin’s natural oils. A great facial cleanser like Obagi Nu Derm Gentle Cleanser, is designed to hydrate and balance out dry, irritated, and itchy skin, soothing the skin and creating a more even skin tone.
Shorten Shower Time and Use Lukewarm Water: Reduce shower time and opt for lukewarm water to prevent excessive drying of the skin.
Moisturize Immediately: Apply a rich, hydrating moisturizer after your shower to lock in moisture. are excellent options. We recommend OBAGI HYDRATE LUXE as your face cream for winter, it provides overnight, ultra-rich moisturization and has a luxurious, balm-like texture OBAGI DAILY HYDRO-DROPS harness Vitamin B3, Abyssinian Oil and Hibiscus Oil in their purest forms. Apart from its Niacinamide and Peptide Complex, it contains a unique shea butter blend that is truly effective against chapped skin.
Protect Your Skin: Don’t skip sunscreen in winter, even though the days are shorter in the winter, the sun can be just as bright, so don’t forget your sunscreen. OBAGI360® HYDRAFACTOR® BROAD SPECTRUM SPF 30 not only helps protect your skin from the harmful UV rays released by the sun, it also adds an extra layer of moisture which can further help prevent dry skin.
Humidify Your Environment: Use a humidifier to add moisture to indoor air, preventing excessive dryness.
Stay Hydrated: Drink enough water to keep your skin hydrated from the inside out.
Consider professional skin treatments: Autumn and winter represents a great opportunity for professional skin treatments. I would however suggest planning, to make sure your skin has time to settle and be at its peak for the party season. A course of SKINPEN MICRONEEDLING in conjunction with HYDRAFACIAL TREATMENT, can help to stimulate new collagen and restore skin glow. At KEEM Medical Aesthetic Clinic we provide a range of Medical Aesthetics Treatments that can benefit and help your skin concern. To book an appointment please click HERE.
Lifestyle Adjustments: Limit caffeine and alcohol consumption, as they can dehydrate your skin. Choose clothing made from natural, breathable fabrics to reduce skin irritation.
Dry skin is a common concern during the winter, but with the right approach, you can keep your skin moisturized and healthy. By following these tips and tricks, you’ll be better equipped to combat dryness and maintain a comfortable and radiant complexion throughout the colder months. Remember that individual skin needs may vary, so it’s always a good idea to consult with a dermatologist or skincare professional for personalized recommendations tailored to your specific skin type.
