Our Top Winter Skincare Tips for Dry Skin

The season of sweaters, football, cozying up by the fireplace, holidays, and hot cocoa comes with many good memories, but our skin can have a hard time finding the love for this time of year.

As the body’s largest organ, our skin serves many purposes. More than being the layer between our internal organs and the environment, skin keeps your body cool, protects it from germs, shows our beauty through its color, and is responsible for many other metabolic processes. Cold, dry weather takes a toll on our skin, but there are ways that we can prevent or treat cracked, flaky, inflamed, or irritated skin. Here are some of our best winter skincare tips for the cold months.

Take Cooler, Shorter Showers

As great as hot showers may feel with below freezing temperatures outside, limit yourself to a warm or lukewarm shower for less than 10 minutes. Hot water can damage the skin’s natural barrier, reducing the natural oils that keep it hydrated. Shorter, lukewarm showers can keep your skin from drying out.

Moisturize

Load on the lotion within 3 minutes of bathing to lock in the moisture. Use thicker creams that have emollients like shea butter to help retain moisture and form a protective barrier against cold air. If you have sensitive skin, make sure to use fragrance free products

Avoid Rubbing

Winter weather is a recipe for a runny nose. Avoid a raw and chapped nose by blotting with extra-soft tissues. Too late? Applying a thin layer of petroleum jelly or moisturizer during the day and before bedtime can help soothe the area.

Take Care of Your Hands

Your hands have the most trouble warming up to the cold weather, and they’re likely to be more exposed to dry air. No one likes the pain of having cracked hands, so be sure to apply moisturizer after washing your hands and every time you think of it besides then – your hands can’t get enough! A thicker hand cream will help those who have very dry hands. Don’t forget to also apply it to your elbows.

Eat Healthy Foods

What’s easier than eating food and letting it do the work for you? Eat your way to healthy skin by eating foods filled with omega-3 and healthy monounsaturated fat (fish, nuts, avocados, olive oil). Citrus fruits and dark leafy greens are loaded with Vitamin C, which helps with the production of collagen and fights illness. Does your skin feel tight and dry? Eating brown rice, quinoa, garlic, or onions can help with that!

Wear Sunscreen

The sun doesn’t take days off. Winter sunburn will not be your friend – it will hurt, it will peel, and you will not like how your picture for the holiday card turned out. Kill two birds with one stone – apply a thick face cream with SPF to combat dry skin and sunburn. Don’t forget to reapply every two hours when you’re outside!

Incorporate Extra Hydration

Hyaluronic acid should be a staple in your winter skin care routine. Hyaluronic acid takes the fluids you drink throughout the day and retains moisture in your skin. Add a hydrating serum to your skin care routine during the winter months where it can help prevent moisture loss and relieve dry skin.

Avoid Chapped Lips

Chapped lips can seem unceasing during the winter months. Firstly, avoid Chapstick and look for a lip balm that contains ingredients like shea butter, hyaluronic acid, beeswax, and an oil such as coconut oil or jojoba oil. Before you apply it, get rid of any dead skin cells by gently exfoliating with a warm, wet washcloth. Afterward, you can apply some Vaseline for an additional barrier against cold, dry air. Make this part of your nighttime routine, too, to avoid losing moisture while you sleep.

Consider Skincare Treatments

Options like the DiamondGlow Facial are an excellent addition to any winter skincare routine (even those with sensitive skin types or acne prone skin). This treatment exfoliates, hydrates, and extracts all at once for your best skin health yet. You can enjoy a natural glow even in the midst of the colder months!

Winter Skincare in Overland Park, KS

At RSVP Med Spa, we offer a variety of skincare products and treatments to help rejuvenate your skin this winter season. Contact us today to set up an appointment!