The winter months can bring cold, dry weather that reduces humidity in the air. Unfortunately, this combination can be a leading factor for dehydrated skin prone to cracking and peeling. Below are some quick tips for retaining moisture during the colder season.
First, avoid long, hot showers at home to ensure you don’t strip away your skin’s natural oils. You can help your skin by reducing showers to 5 to 10 minutes and keeping the water warm but not hot. Soon as you get out of the shower, gently pat your skin dry, apply a hydrator while your skin is still damp to seal in moisture.
Second, adding a humidifier to your home can be a game-changer. Humidifiers help restore the humidity levels in the air, providing skin with the moisture it needs to improve dry, itchy skin.
It is also essential to be aware of the products you are using in your home skincare routine. If your face is getting excessively dry, make some swaps in your regimen. First, consider switching to a gentle cleanser. This step will prevent stripping your skin, leaving it tight and dry. Second, incorporate products with moisturizing properties, such as ceramides, squalane, shea butter, hyaluronic acid, and vitamin C. The use of retinols and AHA’s may need to be reduced during this time.
On the flip side, some may overlook the importance of exfoliating during the winter months. Although it may be reduced, it is still vital to remove dead skin cells and other debris so your skincare products can penetrate effectively. Otherwise, your skincare products will sit on the skin instead of absorbing.
Luckily, there are hydration-boosting treatments that can be administered in the office! Treatments such as dermaplaning and chemical peels can ensure your skin is properly exfoliated and are excellent preps to add on treatments such as hydrating masks and hydrafacial treatments. Hydrafacial is a fantastic option for exfoliation and hydration all in 1 treatment. Consult your Skincare Specialist regarding a customized Hydrafacial treatment and what infusion would be best suited for your skin!
