Cold Weather Skin Care Tips

Cold weather can be especially harsh on your skin. During the fall and winter seasons, the combination of cold temperatures and low humidity pulls moisture from your skin. It is this loss of moisture that causes our skin to become dry and flaky. But not to worry - here are some simple cold weather tips to keep your skin healthy and hydrated! 

Turning up the heat? Turn on the humidifier! Air inside your home becomes very dry in winter, especially if your windows are closed and the heat is on. A humidifier will replace moisture in the air. Keep indoor air moisture levels at 40 to 50 percent.

Switch your moisturizer from lotions to thicker creams or ointments and use them often. Moisturizers protect your skin from the elements. Think of moisturizers as a daily barrier between your skin and the air. Even if you have oily skin, you still may need a moisturizer in the winter.

Use mild soaps, and avoid deodorant, fragranced, antibacterial or abrasive soaps, as these are more drying for your skin. Instead look for a milky textured cleanser which features soothing, anti-inflammatory actives like Soy, Panthenol and Chamomile.

Use a lip balm that also has at least SPF 15. This will protect against chapped lips, as well as sun damage, which the thin skin on the lips is extra vulnerable to. The lips are often the first place to exhibit signs of aging, so they must not be neglected!

Review your skin care regimen. If you are using products with tretinoin, such as Retin-A or Renova, or are using alpha-hydroxy acids or glycolic acids, you may want to use these less frequently, as they may cause your skin to exfoliate and become more sensitive and dry. Avoid microdermabrasion and abrasive skin treatments, as these exfoliate the top layer of the skin, and leave the new layer of skin unprotected to the harsh elements. If you do use an exfoliant, remember to always apply a moisturizer immediately after rinsing your face to help seal in moisture and prevent skin from chafing.