9 Tips on how you can protect your skin in winter
Winter can be quite disadvantageous to the skin, causing dryness, itchiness, and irritation. The cold weather condition outside leaves your skin feeling raw, while the heat indoor takes out the moisture from both your skin and the air. Learn how to protect your skin in winter or autumn by reading tips below.
According to an American Academy of Dermatology publication, even those activities that make winter memorable, like sitting by a fire, can dry out the skin. Even though having a hot bath may present an excellent way of warming up, the water may result in skin dryness by eliminating the natural oils.
WHAT ARE DERMATOLOGISTS SAYING
There are a few ways to maintain skin moisture and protect it all through winter. Some of these ways may include some minor changes in daily routines. Linda Stein Gold, MD, who works as a dermatologist in West Bloomfield, Henry Ford hospital, mentioned those changes. She said blotting dry skin and applying a thick moisturizer within minutes after taking a bath helps in concealing water into the skin and maintaining skin moisture.
Since cold and dry air results in an itchy, irritated, and dry skin, I combat dry winter skin and retain my skin’s natural moisture using the following tips.
HOW DO YOU PROTECT YOUR SKIN IN WINTER
1. INVEST IN A HUMIDIFIER TO MAXIMIZE MOISTURE
The importance of humidifiers at home cannot be overemphasized. It adds moisture to dry winter air at home, thereby keeping my skin hydrated. I use it in the rooms that I spend the most time in that is my bedroom.
2. MOISTURIZE FREQUENTLY, ESPECIALLY YOUR HANDS & FACE
Moisturizing after washing up helps to protect the skin in winter and maintain a healthy one. I prefer using a moisturizing oil to lotion during winter. The lotion is more suited for a warmer or humid climate. For my face moisturizer during the cold weather, I use a serum day or night. Normally, during the summer, I would only apply the serum in the evenings, but when the weather becomes colder, I use the serum in the morning also.
The serum is a moisturizer with a higher active ingredient content than lotion/cream. My most preferred serum is the Remodeling Radiance Face Oil. It is a natural, oil-based, 100% vegan, and contains active ingredients. This serum is suitable for all skin types but is particularly beneficial for dull dehydrated skin.
Remodeling anti-aging serum contains active CO2 Extracts of Spilanthes acmella, Organic Carotene concentrate. Formulated with different skin-loving oils like organic jojoba, organic rose hip, frankincense essential, myrrh, and several others that see to the skin’s adequate protection during winter.
It’s vital to protect the skin in winter not only on the face but also the body. I use the Natural Body Balm: Ultra-smooth Silk Rose & Jasmine as a moisturizing balm for all parts of my body. I find it brilliant to moisturize my hands, lips and feet as well. Doctor Linda Stein reiterated that as you are moisturizing other parts of your skin, do not forget the hands. This versatile balm is perfect not only for the body but for hands too.
Hand washing is unarguably very important, but continuous washing can result in the hand taking a beating. Dr. Stein added that the application of hand cream or balm after washing goes a long way in protecting it. She also pointed wearing waterproof gloves as an effective method of protecting the hands.
3. REDUCE THE THERMOSTAT LEVEL TO AVOID DRYNESS
When it is cold outside, the first instinct of everyone is to crank up the heat. But to maintain healthy skin, I usually consider setting the thermostat to a mild and comfortable temperature of about 20 to 22 degrees celsius (Sixty-eight to seventy-two degrees Fahrenheit).
4. REGULATE SHOWER TIME AND TEMPERATURE.
In chilling weather, the temptation to take a long time in a steamy shower will always arise. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, all the skin requires is a five to ten minutes bath with lukewarm water.
5. GO FOR FRAGRANCE-FREE OR PRODUCTS FORMULATED WITH ESSENTIAL OILS
Using the wrong soap can increase the intensity of itchiness in dry skin due to the presence of some irritants. Therefore, I opt-in for products labelled fragrance-free or made only using natural essential oils.
All NatZen’s soaps are formulated with only pure essential oils and do not contain any synthetic fragrances. If using commercial shower gels or soap, I prevent winter skin issues by reducing soap’s overall usage and regulating lathering in some sensitive areas like the hand, armpit, feet, and others.
6. ADJUST SKINCARE REGIMEN TO SUIT THE SEASON
To protect your skin in winter, I opt for oil or cream-based cleansers and limit the use of toners and astringents. Most commercial toners have alcohol that can contribute to skin dryness. Astringents are however brilliant at minimizing pores and remove excess oils from the skin. Our toner is alcohol-free and contains only natural hydrosols, vitamins and essential oils and can be used all year round.
In the case of skin itchiness or dryness, AAD suggests avoiding products containing alcohol and synthetic fragrances. You can review the ingredients on the back of the product if it mentions “Fragrance” that means that synthetic fragrance was added to the formulation.
No alcohol, no synthetic fragrance products help to maintain the natural oils in the skin. Also, I apply a richer moisturizer on my face. As recommended earlier, I use the remodelling anti-ageing serum. It is a natural and 100% vegan serum with no ingredients that can cause irritations to the skin.
As I moisturize the face, I also take note of my lips. I use the Natural Body Balm: Ultra-smooth Silk Rose & Jasmine as a moisturizing balm for my lips. This product is not limited to the lips. It is also suitable for several other body parts, including the hands & feet. Body balm is also 100% vegan, sustainable, natural, and ideal for all types of skin. With several organic ingredients like Olive Squalane, mango butter, and vitamin E, it can deeply moisturize the skin and supply relief instantly from dry skin.
7. PUT ON THE IDEAL AND COMFY CLOTHING THAT DOES NOT IRRITATE.
Several cold-weather fabrics can trigger dry skin during winter. Dr. Stein reiterated and advised keeping rough clothing – and those made from wool, from touching the skin directly. That can lead to skin irritation and itchiness.
I prefer wearing light-layered clothing, made from breathable materials just above the skin, and then wear the heavier sweaters on it.
Also, on the hands, I recommend using gloves that will not irritate. Being a fan of wool gloves, I use cotton or silk gloves directly above the skin before putting it on.
8. EAT RIGHT AND DRINK A LOT OF WATER
According to Barbara Reed, a dermatologist at Denver Skin Clinic, some foods, and supplements like fish oil and flaxseed oil, can sometimes protect the skin from dryness. Apart from eating right, I also suggest taking a lot of water, about two to three liters daily. Water increases skin elasticity and ensures the proper circulation of nutrients to the appropriate locations.
9. LASTLY, SUNSCREENS ARE NOT JUST FOR SUMMER. THEY ALSO PROTECT THE SKIN DURING WINTER.
The significance of serums, sunscreens, humidifiers, and diet – in maintaining healthy skin during winter cannot be overemphasized. A thorough and consistent application of the mentioned tips will undoubtedly protect your skin from irritations and itchiness during winter.
