The dry, cold air of winter can leave the skin parched and irritated. The right skin care regimen combats the chill, allowing you to put your best face forward. Below are tips to help you enjoy healthy, hydrated skin during the coldest months of the year. 

Wintertime Skin Care Tips

1. Take Lukewarm Showers

Hot showers strip skin of its naturally lubricating oils. Try to limit your showers to five to 10 minutes and opt for lukewarm over hot water to help retain moisture. Apply thick creams and lotions as soon as you finish bathing to lock in moisture, since the dry air takes moisture from the skin. Thicker skin care products are recommended during winter, as they provide extra hydration to keep your skin barrier moisturized and healthy.

2. Use a Humidifier

Dry air is a problem indoors as well as outdoors during winter. To avoid drying out your skin via dry heat while in your home, purchase a humidifier if you don’t have one. Adding moisture to the air—especially in your bedroom, since your skin rejuvenates while you sleep—contributes to plump, healthy results. Depending on how dry your region is during winter, more than one humidifier in your home may be necessary. 

3. Apply Sunscreen

The sun can still damage your skin during winter, especially when light bounces off the snow. Wearing sunscreen year-round protects your skin from damaging UV rays that cause burns and premature aging. It also helps to wear large sunglasses with UV protection to protect the thin, delicate skin around your eyes. 

4. Stay Hydrated 

You might not sweat as much during winter, but that does not mean you cannot get dehydrated. Dry, cold air is dehydrating, so sip water throughout the day and bring a reusable water bottle with you to work, on errands, and everywhere else you go. You’ll avoid dehydration symptoms such as headaches and muscle aches, in addition to helping your skin remain supple. 

For professional skin care services that improve your skin’s appearance, make an appointment with Craig Austin Dermatology in Fishkill, NY. This dermatologist has his own product line, Cane + Austin Skin Care Line®, in addition to providing a full suite of dermatological services. Call (845) 896-6669 today to schedule your appointment, or visit the website for more information.