Winter can be tough on your skin. The cold weather, dry air, and wind can create challenges when it comes to keeping your skin healthy and looking its best. Fortunately, there are some easy steps you can take to care for your skin during the winter months.
First, make sure to moisturize every day. Cold temperatures as well as indoor heating systems can lead to dry skin. To help keep skin hydrated and healthy, use a moisturizer with humectant ingredients such as hyaluronic acid or glycerin which actually attract moisture from the environment and hold it in the skin. You may want to switch to a richer moisturizer during the colder months, but be mindful of using something that won’t clog your pores or irritate sensitive areas like around the eyes or mouth.
Second, don’t forget about sunscreen! Even in wintertime UV rays can still cause damage if you’re exposed to direct sunlight – so make sure you use an SPF of 30 or higher daily regardless of the temperature outside. If you’re spending a lot of time outdoors in cold weather, look for an SPF product specifically designed for outdoor activities like skiing or snowboarding where sun reflecting off snow can increase exposure risk.
Third, pay special attention to any exposed areas of your face such as lips and nose as these are particularly vulnerable due to their delicate nature and lack of protective oils found elsewhere on the face. Look for lip balm containing natural oils that will help protect against winter’s chilly effects while also moisturizing the area; likewise consider products formulated specifically for treating chapped noses which usually combine petrolatum with soothing ingredients like aloe vera extract or shea butter to calm inflammation caused by cold weather irritation.
Fourthly, treat yourself to some extra pampering! While regular facials might not be possible in colder weather (due to spa closures/restrictions), consider at-home treatments such as masks containing natural ingredients like oatmeal or honey which both help soothe and hydrate dry winter skin — just remember not to leave them on too long or they could actually aggravate already sensitive areas! Additionally, adding a gentle exfoliant into your skincare routine two-to-three times weekly helps combat flaky patches by removing dead cells and allowing new ones replace them — think sugar scrubs made with natural oils rather than harsh grainy salt scrubs which are too abrasive even in moderate usage this time of year.
Finally get plenty of restful sleep; getting enough shut eye is important all year around but particularly so during winter when daylight hours are fewer! Sleep deprivation not only disrupts hormones responsible for cell renewal/repair but also reduces our body’s ability fight off bacteria/viruses associated with common illnesses – all factors that contribute greatly towards dull complexion come wintertime since stressed out organs tend have difficulty producing enough collagen (the protein responsible for smoothness & suppleness).
In conclusion then make sure you remember these five simple tips: moisturize daily (but avoid over-doing it by looking out for rich creams); wear broad spectrum sunscreen; pay particular attention exposed areas like nose/lips; treat yourself some seasonal pampering; and finally catch up on those zzzz’s — each containing helpful advice helping keep your complexion glowing no matter what season!
Common skin diseases that get aggravated in winter
1. Psoriasis: The cold weather and indoor heating can dry out skin and make this chronic skin condition even worse.
2. Eczema: This itchy and painful skin disorder is exacerbated by low humidity and cold temperatures, leading to flare-ups during wintertime.
3. Rosacea: Winter winds can be irritating for those with rosacea, which is characterized by reddening of the facial skin, along with bumps and pustules.
4. Acne: It’s common for acne to worsen in the winter due to a combination of factors, including harsh winds and indoor heating sapping moisture from the skin.
5. Fungal Infections: Chilly winter weather can cause an uptick in fungal infections like athlete’s foot or ringworm – often brought on by wearing damp socks or closed-in shoes during cold months.
6. Dermatitis Herpetiformis: A chronic blistering rash that most commonly appears on the elbows and knees, dermatitis herpetiformis (DH) tends to flare up in winter as a result of exposure to chilly temperatures.
7. Shingles: Shingles (chickenpox virus reactivation) is more prevalent in winter months due to lower immunity levels caused by reduced sunlight exposure as well as colder temperatures which can weaken the body’s defences against infection/illness.
8. Cold Sores: These unsightly blisters are caused by HSV-1, a virus that likes colder temperatures so their appearance typically increase during winter months – especially if your lips are chapped or cracked due to high winds or indoor heating drying out your skin!
9. Dry Skin: Colder air causes water to evaporate from your skin at a faster rate than usual resulting in uncomfortable dry patches; adding extra moisturizer however should help prevent this issue from becoming too severe!
10 Prickly Heat Rash: Another condition aggravated by cooler weather, prickly heat will have you running for cover outdoors more than once this season if you’re not vigilant about keeping yourself cool indoors & dry outside – especially if humidity levels rise suddenly!