Winter is here, which means that it is time to change your skincare regimen. The winter weather can really dry out the skin, and with the cold air outside you need to make sure that you are keeping up on moisturizing your face. There are many things that people do in order to keep their skin healthy during the winter. In this article, we’ll provide five tips for how to have healthier, more moisturized skin in the winter!
TIP #1: Hydrate from the Inside Out
While moisturizing lotions are fantastic, it’s even more important to drink plenty of fluids in order to maintain healthy skin. Drinking plenty of water is the best way to do this, but other beverages are also good. Alcohol isn’t the best beverage for hydration because it actually dehydrates you. If you want to consume alcoholic beverages, attempt to drink a lot of water beforehand to compensate for the dehydration caused by alcohol. Coffee may provide other health benefits, but when it comes to skincare, not so much. We’re not suggesting you stop drinking coffee but do so in moderation as coffee dehydrates and can cause your skin to be oily and dry at the same time.
Drinking more water will not only keep you hydrated, it can also help you lose weight. Many times people mistake hunger for thirst! Drinking plenty of water can help avoid or reduce hunger cravings while moisturizing from the inside out.
TIP #2: Consider Using a Humidifier
During the winter, it is particularly important to keep your skin hydrated because of the dry air outside. One way you can prevent excess drying from taking place is by purchasing a humidifier for your home or office space. A humidifier will raise humidity levels so that there’s not as much evaporation going on and therefore won’t leave you feeling as thirsty all day long!
TIP #3: Don’t Forget the Sunscreen
Just because it’s cold outside, doesn’t mean that you should skip using sunscreen. The days may be shorter but if there is snow on the ground, UV rays will refract off the snow and cause skin damage. Using sunscreen year-round is the best way to prevent wrinkles, sun spots, and other signs of aging.
TIP #4: Avoid Products with Glycolic or Salicylic Acid
Products with glycolic and salicylic acid can be great for your skin, but during the winter you should avoid using them as much as possible. While these ingredients may be beneficial for oily skin, you may need to change your regimen in the winter since the environment is naturally drier. These acids are also known to make the skin more sensitive to UV rays. Avoiding these particular products will help keep skin moisturized and ensure that ultraviolet radiation from sunlight doesn’t damage your skin.
TIP #5: Consider Using a Serum or Oil-Based Moisturizer
Using serum during the winter may be beneficial for some people depending on their skin type. If you have dry or sensitive skin that tends to get red and flaky in the winter, a serum can be used to deliver moisture directly to your skin. Serums are typically more expensive than moisturizers but they contain fewer ingredients so you’re getting concentrated levels of just what you need for healthy, hydrated skin! A hydrating serum with an added vitamin C boost is also a good choice during the winter months if you’re looking to change your skincare regimen! The vitamin C helps by brightening skin and smoothing out fine lines.
Using oil-based moisturizers is another change to your skincare regimen that can be beneficial in the cold, dry months of winter. While oil-based moisturizers are not beneficial for everyone, they can be great for people who have extremely dry skin. Oils are excellent moisturizers because they don’t sit on top of the skin but rather soak into it to hydrate from the inside out. The intercellular lipid substance is comprised of cholesterol, cholesterol esters, ceramides, and fatty acids. Because intercellular lipids are oil-based, oils have an excellent chance of absorbing this way; whereas water-based substances will be repelled since oil and water do not mix.
BONUS TIP: Try Using a Medical Grade Hydrating & Calming Products
Hydration is so important when it comes to skincare. Integrating a product with hydration and calming benefits helps your skin to be at its healthiest even when outside conditions turn harsh. Hydration and calming are achieved by using a quality product that won’t result in increased dryness in your skin. Be careful with standard moisturizers, the ingredients and quality of the products you select are very important. Most standard moisturizers have water, lipids, and proteins. A higher-quality hydrating product will have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, hydrating, and DNA repair ingredients.
Moisturizers often slow down the rate of natural exfoliation which can result in decreased skin tolerance, dullness, dryness, and an actual moisturizer addiction. Do yourself a favor and select a medical-grade product that works at the cellular level. Moisturizers are one of the most overused skincare products and may be the source of your skin’s dryness, sensitivity, and overall damage to the skin barrier function. Are you using a moisturizer that is damaging your skin? If you’re thinking about trying or have questions about how a medical-grade hydrating and calming product can help you, give us a call. At Flawless Medspa of Excelsior, MN we are dedicated to providing our clients with exceptional results and a great experience. We provide free consultations to clients to help you determine the best skincare solutions for your needs and goals.
Making these adjustments to your winter skincare regimen will have a positive effect on the health of your skin. Consider adding one or more steps from our list above, and consult with us if you need any advice about what products are best for you! Don’t forget that we offer complimentary consultations that can help you with selecting the right medical-grade products and services to keep you looking and feeling your best.
