Winter Skincare Tips

Winter is in full swing across the country, and while we are lucky in the South to avoid much of the snow and ice that northern climates experience, we still must deal with winter air that can negatively affect our skin. Temperature changes and lower humidity levels frequently can cause dryness and ashiness, and for those already with sensitive skin, winter is a very tough season.

It’s important to consider making changes to your skincare routine during this time because some of the things that you do in summer months may actually harm your skin in winter months. This article lists many tips for winter skincare and we have highlighted some of our favorites below.

·         Be Gentle: Use gentle products that are engineered for dry skin and are alcohol free, which will also dry out skin.

·         Moisturize when needed: Apply moisturizer whenever skin feels itchy or dry. Apply extra moisturizer at night, when your skin has a chance to repair while you sleep. Use moisturizers like shea and cocoa butter on your hands and feet and cover with cotton gloves or socks overnight.

·         Take shorter showers or baths: Exposure to hot water during a long shower will dry out your skin. Take shorter showers and lower the water temperature to minimize the damage.

·         Avoid wool: Harsh fabrics like wool will cause dryness when they run against your skin. Try to wear softer fabrics or place a softer fabric between your skin and the wool garment.

·         Reduce indoor heat: Turning up your heat inside will dry out your skin. Try to keep indoor temperatures between 68-70 degrees.

·         Use sunscreen: Use sunscreen or products containing SPF at all times when outside, including during cold weather. This is especially important if you plan to hit the slopes!

·         Remember the lips: Chapped lips are one of the most frequently felt pains during winter. Remember to put moisturizer on your lips 30 minutes before going outside. This will give the moisturizer time to absorb into the skin.

·         Be vigilant: Dry skin can often be mistaken for a more serious condition, such as psoriasis or eczema. If you see red, itchy patches that do not respond to moisturizer and appear to get worse, consult a dermatologist for more specific treatment.

Fortunately, winter weather will eventually disappear and your skin should feel less dry. However, if your dry skin symptoms are more severe or continue to worsen, please call our team at Greenville Dermatology so we can help determine whether you should receive further treatment. Call Greenville Dermatology at 864-242-5872 to schedule an appointment today.