Curling up in front of a roaring fire, building a snowman, zooming down the slopes – or down the backyard hill on the toboggan (go ahead, it’s not just for the kids) – the joyful pleasures of wintertime are upon us once again. But the season chock full of magic can be a time of discontent when it comes to your skin.
Parched-Skin Prescription
“It’s not the cold weather that wreaks havoc on your skin in the winter, it’s the indoor dry heat – this air has no humidity,” says Neil S. Goldberg, M.D. a dermatologist with offices in Bronxville and White Plains.
The sooner you begin a plan geared toward plumping skin with maximum moisture the better. (In other words, start now!) Just remember to stick with the program. Here are a few key tips for preventing winter skin blues.
Restock your beauty shelf.
Make the switch to gentler products. Milky cleansers, hydrating moisturizers and eye balms and face oils (all the rage these days) will yield better results now than your warm-weather lineup of gel cleansers, peels and toners. For body, look for moisturizing soaps and cream washes. Try easy-to-find drugstore brands such as Aveeno, Cetaphil and CeraVe.
Take shorter, cooler showers and baths.
A long, hot soapy shower is a nearly irresistible temptation when the mercury dips, but hot water can create dry, itchy skin. Marc Grossman, M.D., a dermatologist in White Plains says, “Make an effort not to stand for a long time in the shower with your back to the faucet. Keep the water temperature lower, and keep baths and showers brief.”
Moisturize, moisturize, moisturize.
Goldberg says how you moisturize is important, “The key is to put moisturizer on damp skin every time you wash your face or body.” Moisturizers don’t actually moisturize the skin but they do lock in moisture. “Moisturizers are not effective if they are applied to dry skin, your skin must be damp so they can seal in that moisture,” says Goldberg.
You can consider switching to a heavier body cream in winter in lieu of your lightweight summertime lotion. Look for products with ingredients such as lanolin, coconut oil or shea or cocoa butter. Goldberg says the brand of lotion doesn’t actually matter as long as it is pleasing and you use it correctly.
Don’t stop using sunscreen.
Sun protection is not just for warm temperatures or peak sun. Continue using a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30, according to the American Academy of Dermatology, especially when you’ll be engaged in outdoor activities such as skiing or snow tubing.
Choose gentle detergents.
Harsh dish soaps can strip hands of moisture, and heavily fragranced laundry detergents can irritate skin. Look for products that are fragrance-free and hypoallergenic and contain natural ingredients. “When washing dishes or cleaning it’s best to wear gloves, lined gloves are better than unlined gloves, just be careful that the water you use is not so hot that it causes your skin to sweat which can cause itching,” says Goldberg.
Use a humidifier.
Dry indoor air – you guessed it – can dry out your skin. Combat the problem with a humidifier or vaporizer. Look for whole-house models or smaller ones for single rooms. Just make sure to keep yours properly cleaned and maintained to prevent growth of bacteria and mold. Visit Consumer Reports online to find the best humidifier for your needs.
Protect your hands and lips.
Cracked hands and lips are the bane of the winter season. Use lip balm and wear gloves routinely to wash dishes, to shovel snow … whenever your hands will be exposed to water or cold. Use hand cream or lotion regularly and always apply it after hand washing.
In short, make a few important changes to your regimen and your skin will thank you. And don’t forget to stay hydrated – keep refilling that water bottle all day. Now, about that dry winter hair? That’s another story.
Terri Prettyman Bowles is a Westchester-based writer, editor and content producer.
