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Centre Yourself provides Skin Care in Michiana, including Elkhart and South Bend, Indiana.
Managing Dry Winter Skin - Part 1 - Monday, February 22, 2010
Winter brings cold, crisp days, fun seasonal activities, and snowy nights spent by a warm fire. But not all elements of winter are so enjoyable. For one, there’s dry winter skin, which can be exacerbated by the cold winter air outside and warm, dry air inside.This year, do your best to guard against the factors that cause dry, itchy skin. Start by addressing the factors that irritate dry skin. Consider your indoor and outdoor environments, your skin care regimen, and even what you wear. Let’s start with your morning routine.
Cool Down Your Showers
Very hot water will only dry your skin out more. Lower the temperature of your shower or bath to warm not hot – and the same applies when hand washing. Also try to shorten the length of your shower or bath and only once per day.
Moisturize, Moisture, Moisturize
This is the key to soft, supple skin. And the best time to apply is right after washing. Pat skin dry, instead of rubbing which can remove the skin’s natural oils. You also want to moisturize throughout the day. Then apply an oil-based, rather than water-based, lotion or emollient. The oil will create a protective layer on the skin than helps retain moisture.
Look for oils that are “nonclogging” like avocado, mineral, primrose or almond oils. Also look for lotions containing “humectants” which include glycerine, sorbitol and alpha-hydroxy. These attract moisture to the skin.
Continue Wearing Sunscreen
We’ve discussed this before. Wear sunscreen year ‘round, not just in the summer. The winter sun, combined with snow glare, can still damage and dry-out the skin. You can find moisturizers with built-in sunscreen. Just be sure it is rated SPF 25 or higher.
Be Careful of Overdressing
As you dress for winter weather, remember that it’s not just what you wear, but how much you wear that can irritate your skin. Overdressing in winter can lead to overheating and sweating, which can further aggravate dry skin. If it’s cold outside, dress in layers. You want a light-weight, breathable fabric next to your skin. And beware of “itchy” fabrics. Some people have very sensitive skin that will itch and react with certain fabrics, especially rough ones like wool. Remember that an itchy wool blanket can irritate your skin, too.
Cover Your Skin When Outside
This is another obvious tip, but an important one. Extreme outdoor weather can suck the moisture right out of your skin. Use physical barriers like masks and gloves to protect your skin from wind burn and dry, cold air. Especially when out for extended periods of time like sledding, cross country skiing or shoveling the driveway.
In Part 2 of this blog, we will discuss some other tips for managing dry winter skin.
Labels: dry skin, dry winter skin, moisturize
Centre Yourself offers the latest skin care products and services, and facial rejuvenation procedures to patients in Michiana, including Elkhart and South Bend, Northwest Indiana, and Southern Michigan.
Elkhart Office
RIVERPOINTE MEDICAL BUILDING500 ARCADE AVE., SUITE 300
ELKHART, IN 46514
PHONE: 574-296-9100
FAX: 574-293-1511
South Bend Office
Medical Pavilion I720 East Cedar Street, Suite 450
South Bend, IN 46617
PHONE: 574-233-9100
The Centre, P.C. offers the latest plastic and reconstructive surgery procedures to patients in Elkhart and South Bend, Indiana, Michiana and the Southern Michigan area. The content provided on this web site should not be taken as medical advice and has been created for informational purposes only about the cosmetic surgery and reconstructive surgery procedures available at the Centre, P.C. For more information about cosmetic surgery and to schedule a consultation, please contact our plastic surgeons.
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