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Winterizing your skin can be the difference between dry and damaged to glowingly healthy skin. It’s important to realize that as the temperature drops, your skin’s moisturizer levels plummet as well. But the temperatures outside are only part of the problem. The increase of long, hot showers, hot and cold offices and commutes, and harsh soaps all add to the problem. Fortunately, by implementing a few snow day secrets, your skin can flourish even when it’s five below!
First: Make sure you change your moisturizers to richer and thicker ones. You should have one for your face and another for your body. Shopping for seasonal products can be overwhelming considering the amount of choices you have down one aisle. Keep in mind a few key ingredients and you should be on your way to a healthier winter skin. Look for glycerin or sorbitol and always try to make sure you’re protecting your face with an SPF 30 broad-spectrum sunscreen. The UV rays don’t just disappear when it gets colder, in fact, the snow and ice’s reflection can amplify the sun’s damage, so cover up and rub in some protection!
Next: Don’t forget to exfoliate before you hydrate. It will actually help your lotions and creams work better. When your skin dries out, the dead skin cells start to build up onto your skin and make it more difficult for your moisturizer to sink in and work as well. Try using mild exfoliates and be gentle.
Lastly: Limit your shower heat! It may feel good, but it’s drying out your skin and doing more harm than good. If you really crave that hot water, try a mild shower and end it with five minutes of hot water. But once you get out of the shower and pat yourself dry, make sure to apply body lotion with 10 minutes. It’ll help your skin to retain as much moisture as possible. Studies have shown that applying body lotion in that window right after you shower is optimal. Keep it on your sink or next to your shampoos and conditioners as a reminder to prioritize moisturizing.
Bonus: Invest in a humidifier. These smaller machines can replace the moisture that indoor heating removes. Think of it like a personal oxygen tank for your skin. Place it in a room that you use most frequently, such as your living room or bedroom. Just make sure you’re filling them with cold water to prevent bacteria from growing inside.
Dr. Cameron Rokhsar
Dr. Cameron Rokhsar, MD, FAAD, FAACS, is the founder and medical director of the New York Cosmetic, Skin, & Laser Surgery Center. Dr. Rokhsar is a graduate of Harvard College and NYU School of Medicine. Dr. Rokhsar is double board certified in dermatology and micrographic dermatologic surgery, being one of the few select dermatologists in the country who is also fellowship trained in laser surgery. A researcher and innovator, Dr. Rokhsar is the creator of the non-surgical nose job and has been instrumental in the research and development of laser systems such as the Fraxel, CO2, Mirady, Vbeam, Themitight, and Ulthera devices. An Associate Professor of Dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital in NYC, Dr. Rokhsar actively teaches the cosmetic dermatology clinic to the resident at Mount Sinai. An expert injector of fillers, and a trainer for many companies, patients fly in from around the world to see Dr. Rokhsar in his Garden City and Manhattan offices in New York.