Cold weather brings less humid air, overly hot baths, and stuffy indoor environments leaving you more likely to experience dryness and flakiness, especially if you are prone to dry skin conditions. There are steps you can take to keep your skin looking great during the winter months.
- Use a Humidifier.
This is the number one trick to keep skin glowing during winter. Adding humidity to dry indoor weather helps you breathe better as well as helping your skin retain more moisture.
- Wash your face with cool or warm water.
Hot water strips your skin of of natural oils and leaves it parched. So stick to warm or cool water when washing your face and hands.
- Protect your skin before heading outdoors.
SPF is just as important in the cooler months as it is in the summer. Eighty percent of the suns rays can pass through clouds, even on an overcast day. But your skin also needs a protective layer to keep its moisture barrier intact. Wind and cold temperatures can create cracks in the skin’s surface leading to redness, dry skin and damage. We recommend Skin Medica’s HA5 or Skin Ceuticals Hydrating B5 Gel followed with a broad spectrum SPF. We love Skin Medica’s Total Defense + Repair SPF ! This super suncreen is packed with antioxidants!
- Avoid moisturizers with mineral oil.
Lip balms made with mineral oil or petrolatum don’t get absorbed. They create an occlusive barrier over the skin. This helps trap moisture but doesn’t skin that’s already parched. Instead try a product with hyaluronic or ceramides which penetrate the skin to moisturize beyond the surface.
- Layer your moisturizers.
Using a heavy cream isn’t bad, but it’s not the best way to combat dry skin. Instead of relying on a single rich product, layer a lightweight moisturizing serum under your cream first to better hydrate and lock in moisture.
- Don’t pick at flaking skin.
Peeling off your skin can lead to infection and scarring, and can make uneven texture worse. Instead use an exfoliating product that combines a chemical exfoliant like Skin Ceutical’s Retexturizing Activator  or a gentle mechanical exfoliant with scrubbing beads Skin Medica’s AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser.
To get set up with a skin maintenance regimen that matches your personal needs, call Utah Facial Plastics at 801-776-2220 or contact us HERE.
Written by Sydnee Zisumbo.