Winter brings cold temperatures, strong winds and decreased humidity --- all of which can leave your skin feeling dry, tight and sore. During the winter months, there’s less moisture in the air and your skin’s natural oils can be blown away by the wind. When you combine that with central heating (which is very drying) you have a recipe for blotchy and itchy skin.

Keeping your skin healthy and protected helps it to perform its crucial barrier functions such as retaining water and preventing the penetration of bacteria and allergens; which means winter skincare is about more than just looking good – it’s about feeling good too. Dryness leads to flaking which leads to itching and scratching, and if the skin’s barrier is broken, inflammation, infection, and eczema can result.

Skincare regimens are seasonal and it’s import to adjust your routine as the seasons change. Everyone, including those with oily skin, should reassess their skincare routine at this time of year to allow for the season's drying effect. Swapping a cleansing gel for a creamy cleanser and adding in a gentler toner with witch hazel, rose, or a very gentle fruit acid can work wonders.

Good Winter Skincare Ingredients

A good moisturizer helps maintain fresh, youthful-looking skin throughout the winter months. When choosing a winter moisturizer, choose a cream over a lotion. When you read the ingredients list look for humectants and occlusives. Humectants (such as glycerin or hyaluronic acid) are designed to pull water into the top layers of skin from the tissue below and prevent the loss of your skin’s natural moisture. More moisture means more plumpness. Occlusives are oil-based (vs. water-based) and slow moisture loss by placing a barrier on the skin. Examples include petroleum, lecithin, paraffin, and silicone.

If you are looking for natural skincare products, avoid ingredients with a petroleum base and instead look for colloidal oatmeal, beeswax, vitamin E, avocado oil, mineral oil, primrose oil, almond oil, or anti-inflammatory herbs like calendula on the label. Avoid products with alcohol, fragrances and coloring, as these can cause dryness and irritation.

Winter Skincare Ingredients to Avoid

Artificial preservatives are the enemy of winter skin, and unfortunately most creams contain some sort of preservative. Examples include parabens such as methylparaben and sulfates including sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), sodium laureth sulfate (SLES) and ammonium lauryl sulfate (ALS). During the winter preservatives are especially problematic to delicate skin areas such as around the eye. If you apply a skincare product and it stings – it could be the preservative irritating your skin. Look instead for products containing natural preservative ingredients such as tea tree oil or grape seed extract.

Hydrate Winter Skin Frequently

During the winter months, how often you use a product is just as important as what you use. If you have very dry skin, moisture it as often as possible -- every half hour if necessary. The more hydrated you keep your skin, the healthier it will be.

Another side effect of dry, flaky skin is a dull complexion. Upping your exfoliation schedule to 2-3 times a week for dry skin and twice a week for oily skin can help you regain your summer shine. Exfoliate with a natural scrub (like sugar) to slough off dull skin. A creamy hydrating mask (vs. a clay mask which will draw moisture from the skin) used weekly will help the renewal process by clearing dead skin cells and trapping moisture.

Your skin is the largest organ on your body, and 70 percent of it is water. That's why you should keep it hydrated, inside as well as outside. Drink lots of non-caffeinated fluids during the day.

Winter Skincare Recommendations

Other suggestions include:

1. Use a humidifier.
2. Wear sunscreen daily (a vital step year round).
3. Take short warm showers vs. long hot showers.
4. Avoid drying body soaps, such as antibacterial washes, and stick with mild non-drying soaps instead.

As for product recommendations, we carry the Obagi Medical line, a prescription grade skincare line that provides a host of solutions for all skin types.

Still not sure how to solve your winter skincare blues? Call the office at 713-468-8759 to schedule a consultation.

 Categoried under:  Aesthetics Education, Obagi Medical Products, Women's Health