Why Does Skin Get Dry in the Winter?
In the winter months, many people notice their skin feeling drier, tighter, and even itchy or flaky. Winter conditions are rough on your skin. The combination of cold cold weather conditions, indoor heating, and lower humidity can wreak havoc on your skin’s natural moisture barrier. By understanding why skin gets dry in the winter, we are able to take steps to get our skin back on track. Here’s your guide to dry skin fixes and and how to keep great skin throughout the chilly months.
Tips for dry skin in the winter:
- Moisturize Immediately After Washing- After cleansing your face or taking a shower, pat your skin dry and apply a moisturizer while your skin is still damp. This helps lock in
Moisturizer to help skin that gets dry in the winter moisture and maintain hydration. Even better- use DMK’s Wetter Than Water Instant hydrating emulsion. Apply this spray to your face after cleansing to help lock moisture into your epidermis almost immediately!
- Use the correct Moisturizer- Opt for a thicker, cream-based moisturizer during winter. Look for ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, ceramides, and shea butter. These help retain moisture and repair the skin barrier. One moisturizer option is Circadia Aquaporin which is rich in Olive fruit extract and macadamia oil to nourish dry skin.
- Limit Hot Showers- While we all love a steamy hot shower, hot water can strip your skin of natural oils. Stick to lukewarm water during these colder months and limit your shower time to 10 minutes or less.
- Use a Humidifier- Running a humidifier in your home or office can add moisture back into the air, preventing your skin from drying out.
- Don’t Skip Sunscreen- Sunscreen is for every month of the year! Even in winter, UV rays can damage your skin. Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 to exposed areas, especially if you’re spending time outdoors or near reflective surfaces like snow (we’re talking to you- skiers!). Circadia offers Light Day Sunscreen- a Broad spectrum 37 SPF which is perfect for face and neck daily use. It is gentle on the skin so it is safe for even the most sensitive skin types.
- Protect Your Skin Outdoors- Cover exposed skin! Use layers such as gloves, scarves, and hats to shield skin from cold, windy weather.
- Hydrate from Within- Drinking plenty of water and eating foods rich in healthy fats, like avocados, nuts, and fatty fish, can support your skin’s hydration and overall health. DMK efa + Essential Fatty Acid and Vitamin E Food Supplements help to repair the skin barrier and to reduce water loss (Dehydration).
- Gentle Cleansing Is Key- Swap out harsh soaps and exfoliants for gentle cleansers. Over-cleansing or using abrasive scrubs can worsen dryness and cause irritation. One great option is DMK’s Milk Cleanser. No harsh ingredients that will strip your skin. Perfect for winter’s dryness.
Winter may be tough on your skin, but with the right care, you can maintain healthy, hydrated skin all season long. By addressing the causes of winter dryness, you’ll not only protect your skin but also enjoy a radiant glow even during the chilliest months. Looking for a free skincare consultation with our aesthetician, Alex? Click here to contact us!