How to Winter-Proof Your Skin
The winter season can be incredibly tough on your skin. The combination of cold outside temperatures and increased usage of indoor heating can make the skin dry, rough and dull. Here are some simple tricks to help keep your skin looking and feeling its best throughout the winter season.
Ditch the petroleum: Switch out any petroleum-based skin care products (such as Vaseline) in favor plant-based products. While petroleum products do provide a barrier to the skin protecting it from the elements, it also clogs pores leading to dehydration, inflammation and acne breakouts. Plant-based oils tend to nourish the skin and are able to penetrate the skin’s surface quickly and deeply to “lock in” hydration.
Go natural: Soaps and body washes that are high in surfactants (the chemical agent responsible for cleansing and lathering) tend to be harsh on the skin. These products dry out the skin by stripping away the skin’s natural oils. Look for products free of any synthetic surfactants including sodium lauryl sulfate (one of the most popular ingredients you’ll spot).
Focus on your night routine: Adding hydrating moisturizers and repairing serums to your nighttime skin routine can work wonders for the skin. These products help the skin maintain a proper amount of hydration. Applying these treatments at night gives the skin enough time to fully absorb the product. One ingredient to look for is Hyaluronic Acid. Hyaluronic Acid provides instant and long-term hydration to the skin. We like SkinMedica Hydrating Complex.
Avoid long, hot showers: Taking a hot shower on a cold day may feel good, but you should resist. That long, hot shower is wreaking havoc on your skin. Instead, turn the water temperature down and focus on reducing your overall shower time.
Check your water: Does your tap water contain chlorine? Chances are if your house utilizes municipal water it’s chlorinated. While chlorine is great disinfectant it is also good at drying out the skin. Think about using a shower filter to syphon the chlorine out. Most filters are relatively inexpensive, easy to install, and will not affect water pressure.
Vitamins and minerals: Essential fatty acids (including Omega-6 and Omega-3) help the skin maintain proper moisture levels by encouraging the production of lipids. These nutrients also help the skin balance the production of natural oils. You can get your fatty acids by taking supplements or eating Omega rich foods like salmon, flax seeds, olives, avocadoes, and nuts.
A united group of skin care specialists from Westlake Dermatology & Cosmetic Surgery, Austin's leader in Dermatology and Plastic Surgery. Articles posted under WD staff are authored through combined contributions from our entire team, including Plastic Surgeons, Dermatologists, Aestheticians, Physician Assistants, Aesthetic Nurses, and Patient Coordinators.
Great tips, with winter coming to an end do you have a similar post for spring?