Three Ways We Damage Our Skin in Winter
The winter months often bring a welcome relief from the heat of the summer. However, many of us make the mistake of thinking that we can relax our skincare routine or use the same products that we use for the rest of the year. At Sadick Dermatology we want to make sure that you enjoy the season without suffering the negative effects of incorrect skincare, so we’re here to offer some insight on common winter skin mistakes. Here are three ways we damage our skin in winter:
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Lack of Sun Protection
Sunscreen is a must in the summer, but it’s equally important to use throughout winter. Winter days are usually gray and cloudy, but the sun is still shining its damaging rays through the clouds.
Also, when it snows, the blindingly white snow reflects the sun right back to your face. These factors can cause just as many wrinkles and other sun damage to the delicate skin of your face during the winter as if you were to leave it unprotected throughout the summer. So, make sure that you have sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 30 applied at least 15-20 minutes before going outside (don’t forget to reapply every two hours), and apply it to all exposed skin including your ears, and neck. Also, a lip balm with SPF will keep them healthy while protecting them from sun damage.
Too Much Heat and Hot Showers
We love to turn up the heat in winter, but it can do damage to our skin. Excess heat and hot water can negatively affect your skin in the winter and dry it out. A constant barrage of hot air can cause your skin to dry out more quickly than in the summer months. If you live in a drier climate, you may feel the heat even more so. To keep skin from drying out, a humidifier may be helpful. Extra humidity can not only help skin retain moisture, but also keep your house feeling warmer. Cold outdoor activities and falling temperatures may also drive you to take long, hot showers to chase away the chill. It may feel good and open up your pores, but excessive hot water use can strip your skin of its natural oils, drying it out and causing flaking, itching, and even acne. Your best bet is to take cooler showers, or if you must go for a hot shower, try to limit your time.
Using Summer Products in the Winter
It’s important to change your skincare routine seasonally. In summer, the humid air makes our skin more oily than usual. It does this on purpose to enhance our natural sun protection. So, a lighter, oil-free formula may be perfect for the more humid summer months. But, when the weather turns cold, our skin needs more hydration. We can combat the dryness by using a thicker moisturizer. A richer formula can help replenish the skin’s moisture quickly.
But there are ways to soothe your skin and keep it healthy—you just have to know what ingredients will help!
We've rounded up five of the best skincare ingredients that will keep your skin feeling smooth and soothed all winter long:
Hyaluronic Acid
Creams with ingredients like hyaluronic acid, which not only draws moisture into the skin but helps it retain it, can be very beneficial during the winter months.
Shea Butter
Shea butter contains vitamins A, E, and F, which are all excellent for repairing damaged skin cells and softening rough patches. It has anti-inflammatory properties that can help with redness or irritation caused by cold weather conditions like windburns or dry air. It also contains essential fatty acids that nourish the skin so it stays hydrated longer than usual.
Honey
Honey is a natural humectant—it helps draw moisture into the skin instead of letting it evaporate away. Plus it’s got some added benefits as an antioxidant and antibacterial agent as well!
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that can help keep your skin hydrated and protected (especially from environmental damage). At the same time, it encourages collagen production, which helps your skin retain moisture and elasticity. Vitamin C is also essential for repairing sun damage to the skin and reducing the appearance of wrinkles.
Aloe Vera
This ingredient has been used for centuries as a natural remedy for dry skin and sunburns. It works by moisturizing dry layers of your skin while also providing nutrients that help repair damaged cells and heal cracks in the epidermis.
Conclusion
At Sadick Dermatology Sadick Dermatology, we offer a range of quality treatments to help keep your skin looking amazing all winter long.
Our goal is to deliver high-quality results that are safe and effective so that you don’t have to worry about anything but looking fabulous! Call our office today and let us help you find the right winter skincare routine.