We’re finally getting some snow and the cold winter weather is probably affecting your skin. It’s never fun having dry, chapped skin. It’s especially difficult to look your best when you have dry skin on your face. I’ve noticed that lately, my clients have had trouble keeping their skin hydrated and moisturized during the winter months so I wanted to offer some tips on how you can better take care of your skin during the cold winter months. Let’s face it no one wants dry skin in winter!
Here are 6 ways that you can take better care of your skin this winter and keep it glowing and hydrated:
1. Use Products That Have These Ingredients: Ceramides, Urea, Hyaluronic acid, Humectants, Oatmeal, Honey, Lipids and Oils
Products that contain these ingredients are great for your skin, here’s a little about each:
- Ceramides – These are a family of naturally occurring lipids that act primarily in the skin’s upper most layer, forming a protective barrier and reducing natural transepidermal water loss. They repair the stratum corneum layer, improve your skin’s hydration, and increase the feeling of how soft your skin is. These are beneficial to those who are stressed, have sensitive skin, have scaly or dry skin, have aged skin or sun damaged skin. They help generate and sustain the skin’s barrier function.
- Urea – This is a moisturizer instead of a humectant because it attracts and retains moisture in the corneum layer. It facilitates the natural exfoliation of keratinocytes given its ability to dissolve intercellular cement in the corneum layer. It enhances the penetration and absorption of other active ingredients.
- Hyaluronic Acid – This is naturally in your dermis but free radicals like UV rays break them down. This is in control of regulating water content, elasticity, and the distribution of nutrients. It’s a natural moisturizer with excellent water binding capabilities.
- Lipids – These help to renew the skin barrier function and reduce moisture loss.
- Humectants – This can help to pull moisture from the deeper layers of your skin to the surface to better moisturize your skin. Synthetic humectants can be less effective as they pull moisture from the skin but don’t replenish it. Natural humectants such as aloe, honey, hyaluronic acid and glycerin are your best bet!
I love Yonka and they have range of products that contain these ingredients. If you’re curious which would be best for you and your skin, you can always reach out to me. I have most of these in my studio so pick one up the next time you come in!
Some of my favorites are as follows:
- Nutri Contour
- Alpha Contour
- Photo Contour
- Creme 28
- Hydra N1 Fluide
- Hydra N1 Serum
- Hydra N1 Creme
- Masque N1
- Creme PS
- Vital Defense
- Advanced Optimizer Serum and Moisturizer
- Excellence Code
- Cellular Code
- Time Resist Day and Night Creme
2. Get a Humidifier
Any sort of heating or heater you may have in your home drys out the air. A humidifier is a great way to replenish the air with moisture in your home. The best place to put your humidifier is in your bedroom as while you sleep it’ll help prevent your skin from drying out. You can also set your thermostat at a lower temperature to keep your air from getting too dry. I like to keep mine between 68 degrees and 72 degrees.
3. Cover Your Skin When You’re Outside and Use Sunscreen
Invest in a nice scarf and pair of gloves and make sure you’re wearing them when you go outside. Your hands are definitely most likely to be damaged by the elements so gloves will help to keep them covered and retain moisture instead of getting chapped from the wind. Any way that you can cover your skin while you’re outside in the snow, rain or wind will help to keep it from drying out.
You should also be applying sunscreen in the winter as winter sun is just as damaging as summer sun. Be sure to apply sunscreen to any exposed areas but try to cover up as much as possible. The snow can reflect the sun’s rays and increase your risk of sun exposure. Even if it’s dreary outside, the sun’s harmful UV rays can permeate clouds and still cause damage to your skin. I recommend using a sunscreen that has an SPF of 15 or higher. One of my favorites is: Yonka Paris Solar Care spf 25 UVA/UBV Broad Spectrum.
4. Wash Your Skin in Lukewarm Water
There’s nothing like a hot bath or shower when it’s cold outside but when you can, wash at least your face and hands in lukewarm water. This prevents the water from stripping oils from your skin. You should also moisturize immediately after you wash to seal the dampness into your skin. I love Yonka’s Hydra N1 Creme or Hydra N1 Fluide depending on your skin type – as far as skin moisturizer goes for winter time use.
If a hot shower is a must for you, limit your shower time to 5-10 minutes if possible. Dermatologists have seen that hot water evaporates fast so if your skin isn’t immediately moisturized, the cracks in your skin will let the skin nerves get exposed to air which can feel like paper cuts, eczema or a “winter itch”
5. Drink More Water
It’s common to drink less water in the winter as we typically choose drinks like hot cocoa, coffee or tea but don’t forget that you need to hydrate your skin from the inside, out. Warm water with lemon or lime can be a great way to consume a hot beverage that will help to hydrate you as well. You can also eat foods that have a high water content such as watermelon, cantaloupe, apples, oranges, kiwi, celery, tomatoes, cucumbers, zucchini or carrots.
You want to be sure you’re consuming enough Vitamin C and zinc to support the healthy production of collagen and elastin for your skin. An omega-3 supplement is great for your skin as well or you can eat more fatty fish and flaxseed to keep your skin smooth and glowing. Be sure to not overdo it with coffee, alcohol or caffeine as well as they’re diuretics which can cause dehydration.
Don’t forget that exfoliation is very important in the care of your skin. Moisture can’t penetrate deeply into your skin when there are too many dead skin cells. Find an exfoliating mask and use it on your face and hands, as well as on your lips. One of my favorites for the body is Yonka Gommage Sucre, for face yonka Gommage, and for lips I like to use Jane Iredale Sugar and butter lip plumper and exfoliator. Follow by moisturizing.
If you take care of your skin, you’ll notice a more glowing, dewy complexion during the winter months instead of dealing with dry, chapped skin. I offer some wonderful treatments that can help your skin to reboot and recover from winter dryness. Dermaplaning is a wonderful treatment that can help to remove the dead skin cells from your face and help your makeup sit better on your skin as well as your skin to better absorb moisture. The Le Grand Classique facial is also a hydrating facial that can help restore your skin to it’s most beautiful!
If you have any questions on how you can improve your skin or need more information on winter skin care, don’t hesitate to contact me via my website or social media. I’m always happy to check out your skin and recommend products or treatments that will help to make it the most beautiful skin you’ve ever had!