If the weather outside is frightful, there’s a good chance your skin is suffering because of it. In the winter months, dry skin can really put a damper on your seasonal festivities. So, we’ve put together some tips and tricks to help relieve your winter-skin woes and get you back to your regularly scheduled snowball fights and curling competitions in comfort!
You may be surprised to learn that your daily dousing can actually be making your dry skin worse. When the temperature outside plummets, you may be tempted to turn up the heat and linger in that steamy stall — but taking long hot showers actually strips your skin of natural oils, contributing to drier skin.
By taking shorter showers (10 minutes, max.) and keeping the water tepid, you can preserve some of your skin’s natural moisture. When using moisturizer after bathing, be sure to apply while the skin is still slightly damp. By lotioning up within a few minutes of getting out of the shower will help lock in moisture and improve the effectiveness of your skin care regimen.
Before you hit the slopes or start shoveling, be sure you’ve got your skin covered. Since your hands are one of the areas most susceptible to drying out, always wear gloves when heading outside to protect them from wind and extreme temperatures. Applying moisturizer to areas that may still be exposed like your face and neck will help create a barrier against the elements. Use lip balm to protect that super-delicate skin on your lips.
To keep cozy on a night in, add extra layers instead of getting closer to a fireplace or other heat source. Hanging out near open flames or furnace vents can dry out your skin more quickly, so consider reaching for that fleece bathrobe/fluffy slippers combo from Aunt Gladys rather than snuggling up on the hearth.
Labels can be deceiving when it comes to skin care products — many that claim to have moisturizing qualities contain alcohol and other ingredients that can actually dry out your skin. Switch to gentle, fragrance-free products as they can be harsh on sensitive, dry skin.
Also, pay attention to what soaps and detergents you’re using. Body washes that create excessive lather include chemicals that strip skin of its natural oils. A gentle, fragrance-free option will better hydrate skin while cleansing. The same goes for laundry detergents — look for those specifically designed for sensitive skin or are hypoallergenic.
For more information on how to combat seasonal dry skin, call our caring Derick Dermatology professionals in Arlington Heights, Barrington, Bartlett, Buffalo Grove, Crystal Lake, Elgin, Libertyville, Lindenhurst, McHenry, Park Ridge, Naperville, and soon in Oak Brook.
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