Winter skin care and looking good
While summer sun and heat can have an adverse impact on your skin, the cold, dry air is the beginning of many skin and hair care problems in winter. The air is so dry that it looks for moisture everywhere it can find it – including from your body and your skin. Most people notice an increase in dryness in their skin because of the dehydration of the atmosphere. Outside the air temperature and humidity drop. Inside, central or wood heat creates dry air. Often the skin becomes so dry it begins to itch on the legs, arms, and even the face. Some minor changes in your routine can help.
One of the first changes that should be made is to lower the temperature of the water you use to wash the skin. While cold winter temperatures make you yearn for a nice hot shower or bath, the hot water actually draws oil and water from the skin, increasing dryness. It also increases circulation, which can make the sensation of itching worse. Conditions such as psoriasis, eczema, and dermatitis often worsen in the cold, dry winter season; in its extreme, skin will flake and crack.
For cleansing, try a super-fatted bar or liquid cleanser. Using formulas for sensitive skin can also help. After patting dry, spritz some Aloe Juice on your face before applying your moisturizer. Aloe is incredibly soothing and has long had a reputation for healing. A little travel-sized spray bottle works great for this.
Look for moisturizers with up to 10 percent lactic acid to help restore water balance in the skin. Lactic acid is an alpha hydroxyl acid (AHA). AHAs are acids derived from foods, and lactic acid is found in sour milk. AHA’s encourage the skin to slough off old, dead skin cells to reveal healthy cells. For some people, AHA’s can tingle when applied; give it a few seconds. If it’s still tingling, rinse it off. Your skin may be too sensitive to it at this time; try it again in the spring. For those with sensitive skin, testing products on your neck just below your ear, is a good thing to remember at any time of the year.
Try a richer moisturizer, or even a balm on those super cold days. If planning an outdoor activity such as skiing or snowshoeing, applying a more occlusive balm will protect your face from harsh winds and dry air. Barrier creams that contain linoleic acid or triglycerides are extremely moisturizing. Caprylic/Capric triglyceride is considered gentle for especially sensitive skins. Applying it after your moisturizer and before hitting the slopes or sled run will add another layer of protection in harsh winter conditions. And don’t forget your lips!
The combination of low humidity and cold air also produces static electricity. Fly-away hair and clingy clothes are the result. Tame that finger-stuck-in-an-electric-socket look by using leave-in products that have ingredients with “amine” or silicone-based ingredients. Both work, but many find that the “amine” ingredients conduct electricity better than silicone and are more apt to keep static at bay. Leave-ins give hair a healthy sheen and keep the frizz and fly-aways in check. If leave-in products aren’t for you, try using a dryer sheet to wipe over your hair or across your brush.
The cold air robs not only your skin of moisture, it robs the air. In order to rehydrate the air, consider using a humidifier, or if your heat source is wood, a pot of water left on the stovetop will add moisture to the air. I’ve been filling my house with plants the last couple years, in particular those that improve air quality.
The winter season ushers in so much. Outdoor adventures and holiday gatherings. These activities can sometimes make our skin and minds feel over-worked and stressed out. Treat yourself to a relaxing, hydrating facial or massage. It will do wonders for your mind and skin.
Diana is a certified clinical cosmetologist, cosmetologist, and make-up artist. Diana can be contacted at dianamarienelson1210@gmail.com. Or follow her on Facebook at Diana Marie Nelson.
