How To Protect Your Skin This Winter
When you think of your body’s organs, skin may not be the first one to mind. However, skin is the body’s largest organ and it has a crucial job of protecting it from external elements.
Taking care of your skin is important year-round, but especially so in the winter. Winter brings along cold temperatures, dry air, and harsh winds – all of which can have a negative impact on your skin. Consider the below tips to keep your skin protected and healthy this winter season.
- Avoid long, hot showers or baths.
- Try to limit your shower or bath to 5-10 minutes and use warm water. Hot water can dry out and irritate your skin. Once you’re done, use a clean towel to pat dry and apply lotion to your still-damp (but not soaking wet!) skin to lock in moisture.
- Switch to a gentler cleanser but heavier lotion.
- If not already, consider using a gentle, hydrating cleanser to add moisture back into your skin. Use only enough to clean your face – avoid a thick lather. Look for products that specifically say “gentle” or “moisturizing” on the label.
- A lighter lotion or moisturizer might work fine in the warmer months, but cold weather and indoor heating can dry out skin. To combat this, consider using a thicker moisturizer/lotion or even using a cream or ointment. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends looking for a cream or ointment that contains on or more of the following ingredients:
- Jojoba oil
- Dimethicone
- Glycerin
- Hyaluronic acid
- Lactic acid
- Lanolin
- Mineral oil
- Petrolatum
- Shea butter
- Invest in a humidifier
- Indoor heating results in dry air. This, in turn, can dry out your skin. Investing in a humidifier can add moisture back into the air and help your skin retain sufficient moisture levels.
- Don’t forget sunscreen!
- You may not be sunbathing, but sunscreen is important year-round! Be sure to use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 on any skin not covered by clothing. This includes using a lip balm with SPF and wearing sunglasses with UV protection.
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Resources
American Academy of Dermatology Association. (2021, May 27). Your Winter Skin Survival Kit. American Academy of Dermatology. https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-basics/care/winter-skin-survival-kit
American Academy of Dermatology Association. (n.d.). Dermatologists’ Top Tips for Relieving Dry Skin. American Academy of Dermatology. https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-basics/dry/dermatologists-tips-relieve-dry-skin
Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. (2023, June 21). Humidifiers: Ease skin, breathing symptoms. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/common-cold/in-depth/humidifiers/art-20048021
Disclaimer
We want you to be well and to live your best life. The content in this blog is provided for the purposes to educate and entertain you: our very important reader. It is not intended as medical advice or as a substitute for medical advice from a trained healthcare professional.
If you have a medical condition or are under the care of a medical provider, please always seek the advice of a qualified medical professional before undertaking a new health care regimen. To that point, never disregard medical advice or delay treatment for a medical condition because of something you read on this site.
Listen to your care providers as they know you and your condition best. Thank you for reading!
The Team at BSDI