The weather outside might be cold, dry, and uncomfortable, but in no way does that mean your skin has to be. Here are some helpful tips from Dallas dermatologist George Wooming to avoid winter dry skin and help keep your skin healthy during the colder months.
1. It’s not the heat, it’s the humidity.
Consider purchasing a humidifier for your home. Increasing the moisture levels of the air can help give your skin a break from the brutal dry air outside.
2. Take shorter, colder showers.
Those twenty-minute showers with scalding hot water are damaging your skin more than you know. Turn that knob towards the colder spectrum and spend less time underneath the shower head. After your shower, lightly pat your skin rather than roughly toweling yourself dry.
3. Ditch your old shampoo.
Regular shampoos and conditioners can strip your hair and skin of essential oils, leaving them dryer than before the shower. Try products that are gentler on your skin and scalp.
4. Don’t forget to moisturize.
After your shower, while your skin is still a little damp, moisturize to replace what the dry air steals away from you. Use an over-the-counter product like Cetaphil or Eucerin, or consider a more natural alternative such as coconut oil.
5. Lather up.
Yes, it is colder outside, but the sun still projects those harmful UV rays year round. Don’t forget to apply sunscreen if you are going to spend prolonged periods of time outdoors.
6. Bundle up.
Stay warm and protect your skin when venturing out into the cold. Invest in a pair of gloves and a scarf.
7. Avoid scratchy materials.
Underneath your layers, stick to softer fabrics like cotton and avoid materials like polyester and wool that are notorious for irritating skin.
8. Stay healthy.
You should be doing this all year round, but in the winter, make sure to get your flu vaccine and continue eating healthy. Make sure to eat plenty of vegetables, increase your omega-3 intake, and stray away from overconsumption of sugars and processed foods. Don’t forget to drink water and stay hydrated!
9. Pucker up.
Of course, don’t forget to keep a tube of chapstick with you, and if your lips do get chapped and flaky, brush off the extra skin with a toothbrush.
1o. Don’t forget to relax.
Dry skin is often a symptom of stress, and with the holidays approaching, stress levels can be expected to rise. Try to find time to relax, whether that means meditating for a few minutes a day, picking up yoga, going on a jog, or spending time with your family and friends.
11. Seek a specialist!
Last, and definitely not least, if your dry skin seems like it’s never going to recover, consider seeking the help of a dermatologist. Please contact Knox Dermatology for an appointment with Dr. George Wooming today! We are here to help your skin reach its full potential.
