5 Wintertime Tips for Maintaining Hydrated, Healthy Skin
Dec 5, 2022
Wintertime is fabulous – we get to put up holiday lights, enjoy big comfy sweaters, and sip hot chocolate. In terms of caring for our skin, however, it can be less fabulous. One night we go to sleep with soft, hydrated skin, and the following day we wake up with our skin feeling dry and dehydrated.
When you think about dry winter skin, that makes sense – during the winter season, there’s less moisture in the air. Throw in factors like increased heat in your home, and it’s a recipe for dry, cracked skin. Luckily, you don’t have to tolerate dry skin. With these expert-backed tips, you can turn your skin from dull to dazzling in no time.
1. Avoid Really Hot Showers
Nothing feels better than jumping in a hot shower on a cold morning (or night). But did you know that overly hot showers can strip much-needed oils from your skin, leaving them susceptible to cracking and flaking? Do yourself a favor and add a little cool water to your shower. Your skin will thank you.
Center for Dermatology Pro Tip: Use a gentle soap, such as Dove Sensitive Skin body wash all winter long. This soap is formulated to be gentle!
2. Use A Humidifier
This is especially true during the winter months of the year when we crank the heat up inside because it’s freezing outdoors. By replenishing the moisture in your home, you’re also replenishing your skin.
Center for Dermatology Pro Tip: Don’t go overboard! Keep the humidity at appropriate levels to avoid mold and mildew accumulation.
3. Drink Water. Lots of Water!
We know how important it is to stay hydrated throughout the day by drinking water. In the winter, make sure you’re drinking enough. Why? It’s harder for skin to retain moisture in the winter. Drinking plenty of water will help replenish your skin’s hydration and keep you feeling your best!
4. Use Moisturizer on Your Lips
The skin on your lips is thin and continuously exposed to the elements. It also doesn’t benefit from oil glands to keep them hydrated. That’s why, during the winter months of the year, your lips can get cracked, sometimes to the point that they’re bleeding. Fight the dryness with a good quality lip moisturizer, particularly one with medicated aspects if your lips are parched.
Center for Dermatology Pro Tip: Keep a small lip moisturizer, vaseline, or aquaphor in your coat pocket so it is handy to use all winter long!
5. Don’t Forget to Care for Your Hands
It’s great to wash your hands often to kill germs and keep them clean. While doing so is good for disease prevention, it also has a tendency to dry out hands, even if you use a quality hand
soap. Be sure to moisturize your hands often! You may be using hand lotion in the morning, but when winter rolls around, it’s probably not going to be enough. Try to moisturize once or twice more each day. It’s a great way to prevent your hands from getting dry, flaky, and cracked.
Center for Dermatology Pro Tip: Using a moisturizing hand cream (along with or instead of a lotion) in the winter is a great way to keep your hands soft!
About Center for Dermatology
The dermatology professionals at the Center for Dermatology are pleased to welcome you to our practice. We provide medical, surgical, and cosmetic dermatology services in Lakeville, MN, such as Botox injections. We know how hectic life can be and are committed to making our practice convenient and accessible.
We want you to feel confident that when you choose the Center for Dermatology, you’re working with healthcare professionals who are qualified, experienced, and caring. We invite you to schedule an appointment for your annual skin check. We look forward to meeting you!
