Caring for Winter Skin

While the change of seasons brings many wonderful things, the colder weather has a significant effect on our skin. The humidity in the air at this time of year is lower, and being outside in the cold, windy, dry air reduces your skin’s moisture even further. Inside, the dry heat from your heater or radiator also reduces the moisture in the air. All of this makes it that much harder to achieve a fresh, dewy look at this time of year. However, there are several things you can do to care for your skin effectively during this time of year.
While the change of seasons brings many wonderful things, the colder weather has a significant effect on our skin. The humidity in the air at this time of year is lower, and being outside in the cold, windy, dry air reduces your skin’s moisture even further. Inside, the dry heat from your heater or radiator also reduces the moisture in the air. All of this makes it that much harder to achieve a fresh, dewy look at this time of year. However, there are several things you can do to care for your skin effectively during this time of year.

Hydrate

Our bodies need 6-8 glasses of water every day, all year. During the cold months, we tend to drink more caffeinated beverages to stay warm, which in turn reduces our hydration. In addition, due to the hectic nature of the season, we may be more likely to become dehydrated. Drink water and non-caffeinated beverages and your skin will reflect this healthy move. Avoiding very hot showers and baths also prevents skin from drying out.

Cleanse

Use a cleanser for both facial and body skin which contains moisturizing elements. Avoid products which contain sodium laureth sulfate, a surfactant which can irritate and further dry the skin. For facial cleansing, products which contain milk or soy are very soothing and hydrating. These include Fresh’s Soy Face Cleanser and Anokha’s Almond Cleansing Milk. For body care, Neutrogena’s Rainbath is an excellent moisturizing cleanser.

Tone

Toning your skin restores the pH of the skin’s epidermis, which allows moisturizer to be absorbed effectively. While it is recommended to avoid toners containing alcohol and witch hazel as their primary agents, this is especially important during the winter to avoid drying out the skin further. Recommended products include Shiseido’s Pureness Balancing Softener and Anokha’s Lotus Flower and Rosewater Toner.

Moisturize

Use a moisturizer twice daily. A lighter moisturizer can be used during the day, but a heavier night cream should be used in the evening. It is best to moisturize your skin immediately after washing while it is still damp, to keep the skin moist. Look for a product with hyaluronic acid, a humectant which draws moisture from the air and locks it into the skin. Products with hyaluronic acid include Juara’s Tamarind Tea Hydrating Toner and Anokha’s Jasmine Serum.

Protect your lips

The decreased humidity of both the outside and inside air will sap your lips of moisture. In addition, if you have a cold and your nose is stuffed up, you may be breathing through your nose which will dry out your lips even further. Try to avoid licking your lips, and use a moisturizer on the lips both at night and during the day. Like your skin, you should use a heavier moisturizer at night, such as Vaseline’s Lip Therapy, and a lighter therapy during the day, such as Burt’s Bees Beeswax Lip Balm. If you can, use a lip protector during the day with an SPF.

Protect your hands

If possible, limit hand washing. When you do wash your hands, use a moisturizing soap and follow with lotion while your hands are still damp. Juara’s Candlenut Hand & Body Balm provides excellent moisturization without leaving a greasy residue.

Humidify

A humidifier helps to add moisture to the air, and will in turn help with hydrating the skin.
Use a sunscreen: You need to block both UVA and UVB rays every day of the year. The SPF number reflects the level of UVB block, and you should use an SPF of at least 15. For blocking UVA rays, the sunscreen should also contain zinc oxide or avobenzone. If you are outside for winter sports, don’t forget to re-apply sunscreen every 3-4 hours.
Hopefully these few tips will assist you in enjoying your winter season while helping your skin to look and feel its best.

Nina S. Naidu, M.D. is a board-certified plastic surgeon practicing in New York City. Dr. Naidu received her medical degree from Cornell University Medical College and completed her general surgery and plastic surgery training at New York Hospital – “ Cornell Medical Center. She has authored numerous papers in the field of plastic and reconstructive surgery.

Dr. Naidu is an active member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the New York Regional Society of Plastic Surgeons, the Medical Society of the State of New York and the New York County Medical Society. She maintains privileges at Lenox Hill Hospital, Manhattan Eye, Ear & Throat Hospital and the Center for Specialty Care.