No matter where you live, chances are winter effects your skin. Even though we may all reside in different climates, the seasonal change and cold are likely to dry out your skin. For those with already dry skin, this can be a harsh time of year. It is already difficult to remain healthy during the holiday season—the last thing you need is to have itchy, dry skin on top of it. Use these tips to your advantage this winter and keep your skin looking and feeling its best.
Sunburn
You might be thinking: “But it’s cloudy all day here! How can I possibly get a sunburn?” Unfortunately, the winter sky still doesn’t block out UV rays, meaning you can still get a sunburn. This is especially true for the fair skinned. If you are going to be constantly exposed to snow, for example, the light will reflect off of the frozen water particles directly onto your skin. This is why it is still important to protect yourself from rays during the winter months with an SPF of at least 30. Don’t forget to reapply if you get wet or sweaty, and put more on every few hours you’re outdoors.
Dry Skin
Dry skin tends to be the most common and intense of the winter skin conditions. It is especially important to moisturize during the winter season and give your skin the appropriate vitamins. For people who experience extreme weather changes, this is vital. Find an oil-based moisturizer instead of a water-based one that helps penetrate into the skin’s surface. When you walk down the aisle at the drug store, try looking for moisturizers that are advertised as night creams—those are usually are oil-based. The oil base helps the skin retain moisture, which will act as a barrier against the cold. You can even find tested CBD creams that are good for the skin and offer a number of other benefits. Also, consider buying a new humidifier for your bedroom; it keeps the moisture in the air and will give your skin a host of benefits, but make sure to read some dehumidifiers reviews first, you don’t want to waste your money on nothing.
Acne
Your skin might be drying out, but that doesn’t mean your pimples are going to disappear. When skin becomes excessively dry, the glands may respond by overproducing oil, which can clog the pores. Hereditary factors influence acne breakouts, so for some people, it doesn’t matter what time of the year it is. If you’ve noticed your skin is drying out and your pimples are flaring up, don’t reach for harsh exfoliates. Find an acne treatment that utilizes gentle exfoliators like salicylic acid, and avoid anything that contains benzoyl peroxide—it can exacerbate inflammation and dry out the skin.
Hyperpigmentation
Those that have dark or olive-toned skin are predisposed to a condition called post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. When a skin cell that contains a lot of melanin becomes damaged or over-stimulated, discoloration can occur. This ailment is a type of skin discoloration that manifests in a combination of dry patches and acne. This happens because the cells that produce darker pigment become too active, which results in an excess of melanin. Unfortunately, it is a lengthy process to restore the natural pigmentation to the skin and can take as much as six months to a year in order to cure. There are laser skin treatments that can help expedite this process, but always be sure to consult a dermatology before pursuing this option.
Dandruff
For some people, dandruff lasts all year long, but it is especially prevalent and widespread in the cold winter months. Make sure you are not consistently wearing hats that are too tight or and whether your hair products might be building up in your hair. A gentle anti-dandruff shampoo is probably your best bet to curb these flakes.
Dry Cuticles
In all other seasons, you might have the perfect nails—then winter sets in and suddenly your cuticles dry up and crack. The best way to avoid this is to invest in cuticle oil. It is designed specifically to keep your cuticles protected. That way you don’t have any painful hangnails and your hands remain soft. Looking for a little pampering this winter? Get biweekly manicures at MiniLuxe and keep those nails looking their best all season long.