Caring For Your Dry Skin In The Winter

Colder temperatures, high winds, and a drop in humidity don’t just bring the snow you love to see each winter. For many, this means dryer, flakier skin that is uncomfortable and hard to care for. If you experience dry skin during the winter, you’re not alone! This is something many people find with the winter, and fortunately, there are many easy solutions and tips to keep your skin moisturized, healthy, and glowing all winter long.

Myrtue Medical Center understands how frustrating dry skin can be and is here to help you prevent and treat it, so you never feel itchy or uncomfortable. Here are some of our favorite and easiest winter skincare tips to add to your routine:

• Moisturize. Obviously, moisturizing your skin frequently will help treat your skin, and calm down any of the itchiness you may be experiencing from your dry skin. Pay special attention to your hands and face, which tend to get dryer and more irritable. And you may want to use a heavier duty moisturizer than normal-- thicker creams and ointments will provide more hydration for your skin than your typical lotion that you may use during the summer. You can apply your moisturizer whenever you feel uncomfortable, but trying to moisturize after every shower and every time you wash your hands will help you!
• Limit Showering and Monitor Temperature. Though it may be tempting to take a long, steamy shower during the winter, limiting your shower times to 5-10 minutes at a lukewarm-warm temperature will seriously affect your skin. Water that is too hot can damage your skin, and staying in hot water for too long can dry out your skin even more.
• Invest in a Humidifier. Since the dry winter air is one of the biggest causes of your dry skin, adding moisture back into your air at home will help prevent and hydrate your skin again. Put your humidifier in rooms you spend the most time in, especially your bedroom.
• Stay Hydrated and Eat Healthily. What you put into your body will affect the appearance and health of your skin. For dry skin, try adding more omega-3 or omega-6 acids to your diet, such as flaxseed oil or fish oil, to add some moisture back to your skin. Also, remember to stay hydrated and drink plenty of water. Though this may not have a dramatic effect on your skin, it will improve your overall health and help anyone who is severely dehydrated.
• Update Your Skincare Routine. Needless to say, caring for your skin during the winter will be different than during warmer months, and switching up your skincare routine and products may serve you well. Try switching to a cream-based cleanser and staying away from toners or astringents with alcohol bases in them, which could further dry out your skin. You may also want to stay away from heavily fragranced or scented products, which may irritate your skin more. And of course, remember to apply a nourishing lip balm to avoid cracked and dry lips.
• Sunscreen. Don’t underestimate the power of the sun’s UV rays during the winter! On bright days, UV rays can reflect off of snow back onto your skin, increasing your exposure to the sun and decreasing moisture even more, and UV rays can also get through clouds on darker days. Apply a sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or more to all exposed areas of your body, paying close attention to your face.

Consult with a doctor at Myrtue Medical Center to determine your best course of treatment. Our experienced dermatologists, Rachel Person ARPN and Sarah Stephenson PA-C from Advanced Dermatology of the Midwest provide dermatology care in Myrtue’s Specialty Clinic on the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of each month and the 2nd Monday of the month. To learn more, visit our website or give us a call at 402.933.3770 to schedule an appointment.

Sources:

https://www.everydayhealth.com/skin-and-beauty/top-tips-for-healthy-winter-skin.aspx

https://www.webmd.com/beauty/features/ten-winter-skin-care-tips#2

https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-basics/dry/dermatologists-tips-relieve-dry-skin