Winter’s frigid winds might be cool for snowmen, but not for our skin. No matter what skin type you have—whether it’s oily, dry, combination, or aging—the climate can take its toll. Winter’s damaging effects include chapping, redness, itching, and other irritation to the outside of the epidermis—the protective layer of the skin that keeps out toxins.
With proper care, you can avoid the symptoms of the season’s harsh temperatures. Here are five ways you can protect your skin from the dry, cold weather while kicking bad skin care habits:
- Moisturize (the right way). The key to moisturizing is knowing what ingredients are in the moisturizers and what works best for your skin type. Avoid alcohol-based and oil-controlling products, which can dehydrate your skin. Don’t rely just on heavy moisturizers, as light moisturizers can be effective, too. Look for products including hyaluronic acid, lactic acid, or witch hazel.
- This advice also applies to choosing soaps. When washing your hands, opt for a moisturizing soap-free cleanser or a hydrating antibacterial gel to keep your skin from drying out. If you have eczema, psoriasis, or other skin conditions, use over-the-counter creams and lotions.
- Exfoliate. Scrubbing off dead cells helps brighten your skin and retain moisture. Choose gentle exfoliators with polyethylene microbeads, and steer clear of using overly harsh products that can damage your skin’s protective barrier that keeps it hydrated during the winter.
- Ingredients to avoid in soaps include sodium lauryl/laureth sulfate (SLS/SLES), parabens, and dioxane. Do not over-exfoliate, which will make your skin even more dry and irritated. The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) recommends exfoliating once a day for oily skin and once a week for dry skin.
- Take short, lukewarm showers. Hot showers might seem desirable in the winter, but bathing in high temperatures for extended periods can strip away the natural oils that keep your skin supple and healthy. The AAD suggests shortening your shower time to five to 10 minutes and using lukewarm water. Apply moisturizer immediately after showering or washing your face while your skin is damp to keep it hydrated.
- Protect skin from the elements. Wearing protective gloves in cold weather, while washing dishes, and when touching chemicals, greases, or other substances keeps hands from becoming dry and damaged, according to the AAD. Avoid irritating your skin with scratchy clothes by layering with cotton or silk shirts to provide a protective barrier. Wash all clothes with mild, fragrance-free laundry soap without preservatives or dyes, or with products labeled “hypoallergenic.”
- Wear lip balm. Don’t forget your lips! Wear lip balm to keep your lips hydrated. Stay away flavored balms. Applying unflavored waxes helps you avoid licking your lips, which can become habit-forming.