Caring for your skin during the winter months may take a little extra time and effort than in the warmer months, but it’s most definitely worth it. The conditions in Michigan can get rather extreme for our tender protective barrier of skin on our faces and other areas that get exposed during these months. Not only do we get harshly cold air, but when you pair that with low humidity that steals moisture while the indoors blast the dry heat, we aren’t exactly set up for the best skincare conditions. But that isn’t going to stop us.
Here are a few skincare tips for healthy winter skin that will keep you comfortable, confident and happy!
Moisturize
Your skin produces natural oils that help protect it and keep it healthy. To keep your skin’s natural moisture, avoid long baths and showers during the winter months, and only use warm, not hot water. Also, try patting dry and moisturizing your damp skin before it dries. One may also consider an overnight deep moisturizer treatment, which can help, particularly in dry areas.
Stay Hydrated
Add moisture from the inside out. During the winter months, it is VERY easy to forget to drink water because we are not hot or we get busy. Try to drink half your body weight in water a day. Drinking this amount can help to stay hydrated internally and keep your skin moisturized from the inside out!
Sunscreen
When it is cold and gloomy outside, especially here in Michigan, sunscreen isn’t exactly the first thing we think about when we leave the house in the morning. However, it should be something every single person applies every day. Even on cloudy winter days, the sun can still have harmful effects on the skin. Protect yourself with proper sunscreen. To ensure you are fully protected, it is best to go with at least 30 SPF and above.
Add Moisture To The Air
There is no question about whether or not the air will get dry in winter. To combat the drying effects of indoor heat, the Mayo Clinic suggests running a humidifier. Luckily, they make it pretty easy these days to use a humidifier. You can use a portable model or one that integrates into your existing home heating system. When you put moisture into the air, it is easier for the skin to absorb the moisture.
Facials
When it comes to facials, the options are almost endless. From a hydrating facial to an RF (radio frequency) treatment, getting a professional facial done by a licensed professional is always a good idea. These two specific treatments are both great for epidermal exfoliation, improving skin moisture content, stimulating collagen production, and have been proven effective in reducing the visible signs of sun damage and fine lines.
With a little TLC on your skin, it is possible to go through the winter months with beautifully glowing skin. If you’re looking for some help during these cold winter months, we’d love to help you! Our goal at Aqua Body Lab is to help you look and feel better by providing treatments that best fit your body’s needs. We offer a range of services to assist with skin concerns, and all of our care is under the direction of and provided by a trained Physician Assistant with more than ten years of hands-on medical experience.