Have you ever noticed that unpleasant tightness after stepping out of a hot shower in winter? Your skin feels like it’s crying out for help. Studies show that humidity levels drop by nearly half during the colder months, transforming once-plump skin into a dry, cracked, and itchy mess. The good news? You don’t have to spend another season feeling uncomfortable in your own skin.
Why Skin Gets Dry in Winter?
Winter assails your skin on every side. When the air is colder, it is unable to retain moisture.
Outdoor winter air removes the natural oils on your skin, and indoor heating vaporizes the dry
air, which dries your skin further.
Imagine your skin is a brick wall. The bricks are the skin cells, and the mortar is the natural oil
that holds it all together. The winter weather loosens that mortar, leaving cracks where the
moisture gets out. This leaves the skin vulnerable to bacteria and environmental damage.
6 Winter Skincare Tips for Healthy, Hydrated Skin
Winter can be harsh on your skin, but with the right routine, you can stay soft, supple, and
glowing. Try these expert-approved winter skincare tips for lasting hydration.
Tip 1: Use a Gentle, Hydrating Cleanser
Many over the counter face washes contribute to the problem, especially in the winter months when humidity is low. They often contain detergents such as sodium laureth sulfate, which strip the skin of its natural oils. These oils protect the skin from free radical damage, bacteria, and other toxins.
In the winter months, switch to an oil-based or hydrating cleanser. These milder recipes leave your skin barrier intact and nourished. Look for ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and niacinamide, which all help maintain the skin’s hydration. Two of our favorite’s at DermaPrecision are Skinmedica’s HA5 hydrating foaming cleanser and Cosmedix purity solution nourishing cleansing oil.
Tip 2: Moisturize Right After Bathing
The timing is important with regard to locking in hydration. When your skin is wet, it absorbs
the moisture more efficiently. The ideal time to moisturize is three minutes after a shower or immediately after washing your face.
Wipe off with a towel, but follow up drying off with moisturizer while your skin is slightly damp. This captures water in your skin cells, locking it in for a longer period of time. Look for moisturizers containing hyaluronic acid, capable of retaining up to 1,000 times its weight in water as well as ceramides that restore your skin barrier. Incorporate this step into your winter
skincare routine, and you will eliminate dry itchy skin even before it begins.
Tip 3: Opt for a Rich Night Cream or Sleeping Mask
When you are asleep, your skin works on repairing itself. Put those eight hours to good use and use a thick and nourishing moisturizer before bed. Night creams form a coating that prevents the loss of water through the skin at night.
Winter nights are harsh on the skin. Indoor heating combined with low humidity is a recipe for moisture loss from the skin. A deeply hydrating and repairing night cream keeps your face glowing and youthful.
Tip 4: Use a Humidifier Indoors
You may apply all luxurious, restorative moisturizers you like; however, in a home that is desert-dry, you are fighting a constant uphill battle. Central heating, while it is necessary to stay warm in winter, sucks all the moisture out of the air – and out of your skin.
A humidifier transforms dry winter skin. Install one in your bedroom for sleeping, or have one
running in the rooms that you devote most of your time to. Aim at keeping the humidity inside
the house at 30-50 percent. You will immediately notice a difference in your skin!
Tip 5: Protect Skin from Harsh Weather
Even though the temperatures are cooler outside, it does not necessarily mean that the sun’s UV rays are any less damaging. UV radiation penetrates through the clouds and reflects off snow, and at times, it can be more destructive than the summer sun. This is why it is imperative that you protect your skin year-round with SPF.
At DermaPrecision we recommend using a mineral based sunscreen that contains SPF 30 or greater daily and reapply every 2 hours to keep yourself protected. Our medical-grade products make it simple to provide constant coverage. One of our favorite brands, Colorescience, has foundation-alternative formulas, SPF powder brushes, and lip protection to keep you glowing and protected all day long.
Tip 6: Stay Hydrated and Eat Skin-Friendly Foods
You can be diligent about applying all of the right hydrating products, and still feel dry, if you are not hydrated on the inside. Not to mention, dull and dehydrated skin automatically makes us appear older. Aim to drink approximately 2 liters of water a day to keep your skin plump and glowing, and your internal organs happy and healthy.
During the busy holiday months or after a recent cold or flu, this can seem especially challenging to do. Book an IV hydration session to immediately boost your internal hydration and fast-track your body’s needs. You will leave feeling brand new.
Conclusion
Winter doesn’t have to mean months of uncomfortable, dry, flaky skin. Save this blog to reference these winter skincare tips and keep your skin healthy and hydrated all season.
However, if you feel like you are doing all you can and still not able to manage it on your own, we are here to help.
DermaPrecision offers personalized skincare consultations to find the real cause of your skin
problems. Our professionals recommend medical-grade products and treatments made for your
specific needs, giving lasting itchy skin relief instead of temporary fixes. Book a consultation with our skin experts at DermaPrecision today.
Until next time,
XO, Christina…. Always here to help you enhance your inner radiance
