Winter Weather Doesn’t Mean Your Skin Has to Suffer

Although the weather is cold, winter can be fun and interesting with all the exciting holidays and family activities. However, during winter your skin may suffer because of the cold temperatures and less humid aid, which may cause excessive dryness, irritation and a flaky appearance. Winter weather doesn’t have to translate into rough times for your skin if you implement a few basic tips that can help your skin stay protected from the harsh weather, and stay moisturized.

Frequent Applications Of Moisturizer Are Key To Preserving The Health Of Your Skin

During winter, the cold air holds less water vapor, which means that there is less humidity. Your skin feels the impact almost immediately, with moisture leaving its surface through evaporation, low sebum content due to cold and blood vessel constriction. The blood vessels of the skin become more “narrowed” to prevent heat loss, which translates into a reduced blood flow to the skin and a reduced protective sebum production. Sebum is an oily substance that is produced by specialized glands distributed throughout the skin of the entire body, which are more concentrated on the face and scalp. It is released on the surface of the skin and acts as a protective film against external damaging factors and keeps the skin moisturized. During winter, there is less sebum on the skin and the moisture is eliminated more quickly because the air is dry. The solution is to prevent excessive removal of sebum through more gentle cleansing solutions that leave the skin dry and using a moisturizer more frequently. Look for moisturizers with ingredients like shea butter, glycerin, beeswax or squalene. They enhance skin protection and “trap” precious humidity on the surface of your skin.

A Humidifier Can Help With Excessively Dry Air In Your Home Or Workplace

Some heating units have an incorporated humidifier, which prevents excessively dry air. However, if this is not the case with yours, you can invest into a portable humidifier. During winter, the recommended humidity levels are 30 to 50 percent, which is how you should set it. A humidity above 60 percent is harmful because it allows for condensation of water on the surfaces in your home, which encourages bacteria growth. Clean the humidifier every week to remove potential bacteria “trapped” in it, which can cause respiratory problems, especially for people sensitive to allergens or vulnerable to asthma. A normal level of humidity is a natural protection against dry skin during the winter months.

Use Milky Cleansers With Alpha Hydroxy Acids

Creamy cleansers containing alpha hydroxy acids can be used once every two days to help eliminate dead skin cells and facilitate skin regeneration and rejuvenation. Modern cleansers with alpha hydroxy acids work in a more gentle manner than previous versions, which makes them suitable for individuals with sensitive skin.

Reduce The Duration Of Your Showers

Long showers and hot water are pleasant indulgences during the winter season, but they may cause excessive removal of sebum and its oily protection from your skin. To preserve a healthy skin appearance during winter, keep your showers shorter. A shower duration of under 10 minutes and water that is not excessively warm is ideal.

The essentials of protecting your skin during the winter revolve around keeping the moisture “trapped” and avoiding the removal of the natural oily skin protection. Using a humidifier, frequent moisturizer applications and shorter showers can help accomplish the task and preserve the healthy glow of your skin.

Neil Chrysler has acquired extensive experience in developing skin care products. He enjoys sharing his insights on various health blogs. Visit the link to learn more about skin care.