Managing Your Dry, Winter Skin

By Sarah Nolan on March 2, 2015

Image courtesy of Health.com

It happens to us all. During the spring and summer months we have phenomenal skin…sun kissed and generally blemish free, but come September or October, the redness, the blemishes and that dry flaky skin come back with a vengeance.

So you figure you’ll up the ante: harsher products or maybe a trip or two to the tanning salon in hopes of regaining that summertime glow. The reality of the situation is that there’s no escaping the frigid temperature drop. The bitter air blowing against your face every day coupled with that dry, indoor heating sends your skin into a downward spiral, craving moisture.

Though it would make sense to try harsher products to combat winter skin, that could not be further from the truth. Simple changes in moisturizer and cleansing can make all the difference.

Invest in a humidifier: Humidifiers at Walgreens range in price from as little as $1o to $50. They add the much needed moisture that heaters suck from the air. Not only will your skin feel better waking up in the morning, the likeliness of catching a nasty cold will not be as high.

Switch up your moisturizer: The moisturizer you use in the summer months will not be as effective in the winter. You’ll want a heavier one to get the job done. Elle offers a nice variety of the best moisturizers in the winter for whatever your skin type may be. I like to use Cetaphil, Cerave or Aquaphor lotions. Since I also have excessively oily skin, I opt for the oil free products.

Cut down that shower time: Hot water strips your hair and skin from natural oils that keep the skin hydrated. Obviously it’s necessary to take showers, but my suggestion would be to cut down your time spent in the shower or shower every other day. Dry shampoo works wonders, trust me. Always be sure to slab on that lotion as soon as you hop out to keep the moisture locked in.

SUNSCREEN: Sun can be just as damaging in the winter, especially with the glare off the white snow.

Avoid harsh cleansers: Opt for gentler cleansers that don’t contain glycolic or salicylic acid because they are particularly drying. However, be sure to exfoliate your skin one to three times each week because dry skin really builds up in the winter. The dry skin contributes to that dull, tired look and can increase the chances of getting those unwanted blemishes.

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