While we enjoy the festive season, comfortable sweaters, and hot chocolate, we dislike the way the cold affects our skin. Our skin appears to transition from healthy and plump to dry and damaged overnight.
“Due to the environment and abrasive factors such as the wind, there is naturally less moisture in the air in the winter. Indoor variables such as central heating can also reduce the amount of moisture in the air “Dendy Engelman, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist in New York City, adds further. “This makes maintaining the skin’s natural protective oils, which act as a barrier against environmental aggressors, more difficult. As a result, moisture is sucked out of the skin, leaving it dry and cracked.”
Invest in a humidifier
“Humidifiers assist preserve your skin when you’re indoors by replacing moisture in the air and keeping the humidity at an optimal level (around 40-60 percent),” adds Dr. Engelman. She suggests the Canopy humidifier since it’s made with technology that prevents mould and germs from forming and has an evaporative mechanism, which means it only emits pure, hydrated air rather than water vapour.
Do Not Take Hot Showers
“It’s tempting to turn up the heat in the winter, but hot water removes the oils from your skin, making it more susceptible to dryness, cracking, and peeling,” Dr. Engelman adds. To conserve as much moisture as possible, chill it on the water temperature.
Moisturize While Your Skin Is Wet
Expert recommends applying your body oil or lotion before your skin has completely dried after a cool shower (or face washing). She continues, “This helps lock in additional moisture.”
Apply Lip Moisturizer
“In the winter, lips can get exceedingly dry due to the thinner skin and continual exposure to the outdoors,” says Dr. Engelman. Lips contain three to five cellular layers, whereas the rest of our skin has roughly 16, and they lack oil glands to keep them hydrated. As a result, it is critical that they be looked after. The Lano Original 101 Ointment, according to Dr. Engelman, contains 200 percent of its weight in moisture and cures dry, cracked skin swiftly.
Get Plenty of Water
While we all know how vital it is to be hydrated, Dr. Engelman points out that when it’s chilly outside, many individuals forget to drink water. “Skin can’t retain moisture as well in the cold, so drinking water helps replenish some of that hydration,” she explains.
Examine the Ingredients in Your Skincare
While you probably have a favourite moisturiser, Dr. Engelman recommends checking the ingredient list on the back of your products to be sure you’re using the most nutritious ones this time of year. “Hyaluronic acid is a hydration rockstar since it can hold up to 1000 times its weight in water,” she says. “Ceramides and peptides assist skin retain moisture by strengthening and restoring the skin barrier. Squalane, shea butter, and light moisturising oils like jojoba are all excellent for keeping skin hydrated.”
Take Care of Your Hands
Because we should all be continually washing our hands, it’s not enough to simply apply hand cream in the morning and call it a day. Keep one at your workplace, in your car, and in your purse to remind you to reapply. Use a cuticle oil once a day for added moisture and to keep your nails in great shape.