Brrr, it’s that time of year again! The sleigh bells start to ring and the snow begins to fly… And unfortunately, with the swift drop in temperature our skin can become very, very dry.
Although Canadian winters are a challenging time for our skin, they don’t have to be! With the right knowledge and tools, we can protect our skin while preventing dryness, dullness, and flaking.
Here are 5 great tips to help you survive the cold winter months with a fresh, hydrated face.
The power starts within you – Retain the moisture you have
Did you know that your skin produces its own natural oils? These natural oils help to protect your skin and keep it healthy. The last thing you want to do is strip these oils away!
Try to avoid overly long, scorching hot showers or baths. This will dry you out! Instead, opt for lukewarm showers or baths that are less than 10 minutes long. This will help your body retain moisture and keep your skin soft and supple.
Also, consider using a humidifier in your home during the winter months. This prevents the air from getting too dry, which can wreak havoc on our skin.
Next, add moisture from the inside out!
The best way to hydrate your skin from the inside out is by drinking enough water! Are you drinking enough water each day? Many Canadians aren’t.
While you may be tempted to consider that tall glass of orange juice as one of your eight daily glasses, it turns out not all liquids hydrate your skin in the same way. Reaching for sugary drinks instead of water can actually contribute to skin aging, acne, and can worsen inflammatory skin conditions. Try to keep that in mind and opt for plain water.
Invest in a good moisturizer
Using the right moisturizer is vital when it comes to locking in your skin’s natural moisture and keeping your skin soft and smooth. Look for products that contain hyaluronic acid, ceramides, or antioxidants. These not only hydrate the skin, but will also help keep it looking firmer and younger. Bonus!
While you should certainly apply moisturizer a few times throughout the day if needed, the best time is right after you towel off from a shower or bath. Your skin is most hydrated at this time, and you want to do everything you can to lock that moisture in!
Switch your facial cleanser
The cleanser you use in the summer just might not cut it in the winter! Cold weather increases dryness, redness, and irritation – so during this time, our skin needs a bit of extra love and attention.
Consider switching to a more hydrating face wash. However, when it comes to skin care it’s always best to keep things simple.
Lastly, don’t forget to apply your sunscreen!
We all know that wearing sunscreen in the summertime is essential, but did you know that harmful UVA rays are just as strong in the winter? Not to mention, the white snow acts as a reflector for the sun’s rays. Even on cold, overcast, or cloudy days, the sun can damage your skin, causing wrinkles, premature aging, and even skin cancer.
Dermatologists recommend using a mineral sunscreen. Mineral sunscreens are superior to chemical sunscreens because they are not absorbed into the skin – instead, they act as a shield to protect you from the sun. Most mineral sunscreens are also hypoallergenic and non-comedogenic, so they are better tolerated for people with more sensitive skin types.
Winter can be tough on skin, but these tips can help keep yours looking healthy and beautiful all year round
If you would like to learn more about winter skin care and discover which products will best suit your skin type, you can book an appointment with one of our top dermatologists at https://yorkdermatology.ca/become-a-patient/. Please download this referral form and have your family doctor fill it out. Once we receive the referral, we will contact you with the next available appointment. We look forward to seeing you in our clinic!