8 Tips For Protecting Your Skin In Winter

By Author: Monica Quinn
Total Articles: 89
Comment this article

Winter can be rough to your skin, and there may seem to be no way out: The cold, windy weather outside leaves your skin red and raw, while the inside heat zaps moisture from the air and your skin.

Even things that make winter more enjoyable, such as sitting by a roaring fire, might cause your skin to dry. And, while a hot shower can warm you up, it also removes natural oils from your skin.

Fortunately, there are several strategies to battle the causes of dry skin and keep yourself moist and supple throughout the season.

Continue reading to learn eight easy ways to keep your skin beautiful in winter.

1. Invest in a Humidifier to Maximize Moisture
During the colder winter, the outdoor air carries less water and is drier and colder. A humidifier in your home or office will assist in keeping your skin hydrated by restoring moisture to the air.

Keep indoor humidity levels between 30 and 50% by running a humidifier throughout your home or at least in the rooms where you spend the most time. One option is to leave it on ...
... while sleeping.

2. Keep Thermostat Temperatures Cool and Comfortable
If you want to escape the dry, frigid air outside, you might be tempted to turn up the heat as soon as you come home. However, excessive central heating might make the air in your home more dryer. To keep your skin from drying out more, try a chilly yet comfortable temperature – the AOCD suggests 68 to 75 degrees F.

3. Lower Water Temperatures for Showering and Hand-Washing
Long, hot showers may sound appealing when it's cold outside, but hot water can dry out the skin. A warm shower (or bath) of 5 to 10 minutes is less likely to aggravate dry skin than a hot one.

A decent rule of thumb is that if the water turns your skin red, it's too hot.

You should also avoid washing your hands with really hot water. This is especially true if you have red, scaly, itchy hands. Cooler water can be just as efficient as warm water at removing germs while being gentler on the skin.

4. Opt for Gentle, Fragrance-Free Body Cleansers
Bathing with bar soap can aggravate dry skin by removing the skin's natural oils and upsetting the microbiome.

Body wash is indicated for people with dry skin. Look for washes branded "for sensitive skin," "dye-free," or "fragrance-free." They frequently have fewer drying components and more hydrating ones, including hyaluronic acid, ceramides, oils, shea butter, and oats.

5. Modify Your Skin-Care Regimen for the Season
Your dermatologist may advise avoiding skin-care products with alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) and retinoids on the face if your skin is dry and itchy, as these can aggravate the problem and may even be a sign of irritant dermatitis (a skin reaction caused by prolonged exposure to an irritating substance).

In addition to avoiding AHAs and retinoids when your face's skin is dry, physicians advise avoiding cosmetics containing alcohol and perfumes, as they will assist the skin in retaining its natural oils.

Instead, opt for oils and creams in your skin-care routine, and consider layering a moisturizer over your toner if the latter is creating dryness.

At night, use a richer moisturizer on your body, including your arms, legs, and midsection. Look for occlusives, such as petrolatum, squalene, and shea butter. These are ingredients that seal in moisture by forming a protective seal over the skin.

You can also use a product that contains hydrating humectants like hyaluronic acid and glycerin. These are excellent face components since they allow the skin to breathe and are unlikely to cause acne.

Remember to moisturize the rest of your body as well.

A moisturizing balm (such as petroleum jelly or another ointment) for your lips will help repair dry, cracked lips and keep them from becoming chapped.

6. Moisturize Hands Frequently, Especially After Washing
Hand washing is especially important when the common cold, flu, and COVID-19 are present. However, continuous cleaning will wear down the hands.

After each washing, apply hand cream. Wearing waterproof gloves to protect your hands when dishwashing or cleaning around the house can also be beneficial.

After applying moisturizer, put on cotton gloves to help your skin absorb the lotion.

7. Apply Sunscreen — Even on Gray Winter Days
Snow reflects the sun's beams on bright winter days, increasing your UV exposure. UV radiation has been related to skin cancer, sunburn, and accelerated skin aging (wrinkles, leathery skin, and liver spots, among other things).

That means that while you're on the slopes, playing in the snow, or running errands, applying sunscreen in the harsh winter weather is just as important as it is in the summer.

Don't be deceived by the darker, dismal days of winter. Up to 80% of the sun's damaging UV rays can penetrate clouds and cause damage.

Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher, water resistance, and moisturizing compounds such as lanolin or glycerin to all exposed regions of your body before going outside.

8. Wear Appropriate, Comfortable, Nonirritating Clothing
Many winter clothing might irritate dry winter skin. Avoid exposing your skin to wool and scratchy garments.

Instead, wear light layers against your skin made of soft, breathable materials (such as cotton or silk). Then, according to the AAD, put on your heavier, warmer sweaters.

Wear gloves or mittens to protect your hands from the cold winter air. If wool gloves are too bothersome, Wesley recommends leather gloves.

Greetings, my name is Monica. I graduated from New York Medical College and work as a nurse in Queens Hospital at the moment. The thing I love the most is morning jogging, because it is a wonderful way to keep myself in tonus. I like to communicate with people who care about their health. I became a vegetarian five years ago. Now my daily menu consists mainly of vegetables, fruits and different cheeses. I am a member of water polo team and I love gardening. I like to see how huge flowers grow out of the tiny petal, it dazzles me because I love spending my time outdoors. My goal is to visit all the USA parks, and then all over the world)