Winter Skin: Tips and Tricks to Avoid Moisture Loss as the Weather Gets Colder

Many things happen as the weather gets cooler. The leaves start to fall, the days get shorter, and our Vitamin D levels drop. Among these things, many of us start to face another challenge as well: dry skin.

An issue that none of us want and many of us have. While many factors play a role in this skin issue, there are a few things that can be done to help prevent and treat dry skin. Check out some tips and tricks below, recommended by our very own in-house esthetician, Hailey Van Slyke.

SKIN BARRIER PROTECTION

You may or may not be aware of the importance of your skin barrier and how that affects skin health. Therefore, the state of your skin barrier also equates to the state of your skin health. Hence, its very important role in combating dry skin. A healthy skin barrier is going to help prevent trans-epidermal moisture loss; essentially it keeps your skin hydrated and moisturized despite the weather. Maintenance of your skin barrier can be challenging at times and will vary from person to person, but these steps can help protect and reduce the damage done to your skin barrier.

1) Place a humidifier in your room.

While this step won’t solve all your problems, putting a humidifier in your room can benefit your skin greatly. In doing so, you are returning moisture into the air. This can help minimize the moisture loss in your skin.

2) Reduce the heat.

I know how hard this can be, especially during the dead of winter when you feel like a sitting popsicle. However, reducing heat can help prevent more moisture loss in the skin instead of sucking it dry. Instead of scalding showers ( I feel personally attacked), lower the heat to room temperature. Also aim for medium to low heat with things like hairdryers, and try not to have them blow directly onto your face. Another area you can apply this is your car heater. This one can be especially hard when you’re trying to defrost more than your car, but if possible, start with the heat on your feet and move up towards your face. Once again, try to avoid it blowing directly on your face.

3) Reduce alcohol and caffeine intake.

This can be challenging at times, but both of these culprits are diuretics, draining your skin of moisture. If you can’t cut them out, just remember to drink them in moderation and increase your water intake. You could also consider switching to decaf coffee or drinking decaffeinated tea, for the sake of your skin.

4) Incorporate heavier moisturizers into your routine.

Summer may call for a lighter weight moisturizer; winter does not. If you suffer from dry skin, use a heavier moisturizer with humectants (ingredients that prevent moisture loss) in it.

5) Gently exfoliate 2-3 times a week.

Over exfoliation is a hidden culprit of dry and irritated skin, and can also contribute to a damaged skin barrier. This does not mean you have to stop exfoliating, in fact, many people need to be doing so to help cell turnover. Instead, don’t overdo it. Use a gentle exfoliant and aim for 2 times a week, at most 3.

6) Don’t forget your body.

While your face is important, don’t forget to show your body some love as well! Avoid going outside with damp skin; this applies to the face and hair as well. Apply moisturizer on your body when skin is slightly damp, and exfoliate 1-2 times a week.

The last and one of the most important tips suggested:

7) Don’t forget your sunscreen!!!

Sunscreen is such an important factor in keeping your skin barrier healthy, which leads to better moisture maintenance. Neglecting sunscreen can be dangerous in more ways than one, so don’t forget your SPF!

While these steps might not solve your dry skin problems, they certainly aid in its prevention. Want to know what products Hailey recommends to help prevent and treat winter skin? Tune in to Episode 3 of The Birds, Bees and Beauty Podcast where she discusses this more in-depth, or keep an eye out for the next blog post!