In cold weather its a common question that how to protect skin in winter. The cold, harsh weather outside makes our skin red and painful, also the heat indoors robs the air and skin of moisture. American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) notes that, Even the things that make winter great, like sitting by a roaring fire, can dry out our skin. In the while a hot shower can warm you up, hot water strips our skin of its natural oils according to the University of Tennessee Medical Center.
Luckily, there are many ways to tackle the underlying cause of dry skin and keep it hydrated and supple all season long.
Here are some simple dermatologist-backed tips for glowing winter skin.
Invest in a Humidifier to Maximize Humidity:
Mrs. Naissan O. Wesley, M.D., board-certified dermatologist based in Beverly Hills, California, said: According to her clinic in Cleveland, installing a humidifier in our home or office can help restore moisture in the air and keep our skin hydrated.
Use humidifiers throughout the house or in the rooms where he spends most of his time, and try to keep indoor humidity levels between 31% and 50%. One option is to turn it on at night while you sleep. If you are unsure of the humidity level in your home, you can purchase a hygrometer, such as a hygrometer. B. Highly rated Goabroa device ($4.95 in Amazon).
Lower water temperature when showering or washing hands:
When it’s cold and windy, taking a long and steamy shower may sound like a great idea. But very hot water can A board-certified dermatologist and aesthetician on 5th Avenue in New York City, says it can dry out your skin. The AAD suggests that a 5- to 10-minute warm shower (or bath) is less likely to exacerbate dry skin than a hot shower.
Rule of thumb: Water causes skin to turn red. If so, it’s too hot says, the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. Also, do not use water that is too hot when washing your hands. This is especially true if your hands tend to be scaly, red or itchy. Dry skin from hot water and cold winter air can trigger eczema flare-ups. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) colder water is just as effective at removing bacteria as warm water and is less irritating to the skin.
Change Your Skincare Practices for Season:
If your skin is dry and itchy it’s a good idea to limit the use of skincare products containing alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) and retinoids on your face. Signs of irritant dermatitis (a skin reaction that occurs after prolonged contact with an irritant). “Once the skin has healed, it can slowly reabsorb retinoids and alpha hydroxy acids,” she says.
In addition to skipping AHAs and retinoids for dry facial skin, AAD recommends alcohol and avoid products containing fragrances.
Instead, opt for oils and creams in your skincare routine and if toner is causing dryness, consider applying a moisturizer to your tonic. Use a rich moisturizer on your skin. “Look for occlusive agents such as petrolatum, squalene, and shea butter,” Mr. Hayag says. “These are ingredients that lock in moisture by forming a protective seal over the skin. Mr. Hayag also recommends looking for products that contain moisturizing moisturizers such as hyaluronic acid and glycerin. It’s a great facial ingredient because it allows the skin to breathe and is less likely to contribute to acne.
Don’t forget to moisturize the rest of your body too. We recommend using a heavy cream that comes in a jar or tube,” says Wesley. “The lotions that come out of the pump tend to be thin and watery, so they often just evaporate from the surface of the skin after application and are often thick and not moisturizing enough.” this is also the best way of How to protect skin in winter.
