Winter Skin Problems & How to Fix Them
January 7, 2021
When a cold wind blows it sometimes chills to the bone. What does that mean for your skin? Sensitive skin or not, winter skin problems are real and there are ways to combat the effects of that dry indoor air and cold outdoor wind that blows this time of year. What are the most common skin problems in the cold months and how do we fix them? Let us find out!
Problem Number One
The biggest problem for our skin during the winter is dryness. Dry skin is the most common issue that arises this time of year as we sit in front of roaring fires, get blasted by frigid outdoor air, take hot showers, and live in homes with dry heating. All the moisture gets sucked out of our skin. How do we fight it?
- Hydrate. Just because the hot summer months are over does not mean you stop hydrating. Drink your water daily and make sure you are getting plenty of it to keep skin moisturized from the inside out.
- Moisturize! Creams that add protective barriers to your skin post-shower are a great way to ward off scaly patches. Find a wet skin solution like Curel Hydra Therapy that you apply directly after showering. It locks moisture in while keeping dryness out.
- Avoid flaking facial skin by switching up your skincare routine. Set aside your daily moisturizer for a heavier cream that creates a barrier for your skin. It protects your face while helping you glow.
- Stop using harsh cleansers. The winter months are the time to indulge in gentle cleansers that clean but protect your skin from dryness and flaking.
- Use humidifiers. The central heating in most of our homes is not doing our skin any favors. It is the perfect time to break out the humidifier and pump some much-needed moisture back into the air. I have one in each bedroom to fight off the nose bleeds my kids get each winter.
Tips for Hair & Beyond
Wind, cold temperatures, and extra styling and combing (hello! hat head!) can cause stress on your hair shafts. Flyaways are a real horror this time of year. Use a mild shampoo and always condition hair every time you wash it. It will help keep flyaways away. Adding static guard products to your hairbrush will also help. If dandruff occurs, as it typically can in dry months, use a good anti-dandruff moisturizing shampoo or see your dermatologist if it does not clear up in a few weeks.
Dry, itchy elbows are my problem area every winter. They can even become painful to the touch. I moisturize with a thick cream after each shower and before bed. In addition, you can wear terry cloth wristbands to bed at night. Apply a thick layer of moisturizing cream and then put on the wristbands to keep your sheets from getting greasy as well as ensuring maximum elbow protection.
The temperatures drop, blood vessels dilate, and your nose becomes red. You are not OK with looking like Rudolph any time of year. Neither am I. Stop redness by applying SPF 30 or more, adding a ski mask to your outdoor gear, or speed up the fading process by applying a warm compress to your skin for a few minutes after coming indoors.
What winter skin problem do you have this time of year?
