Nine Tips to Winterize Your Skin

It’s been a long, cold winter and according to Punxsutawney Phil, the famed groundhog of the annual February 2 ‘Groundhog Day’, we still have a few more weeks to go.

“At Price Skin Care, we often stress the dangers of the sun and outdoor elements on your skin,” says Richard Price, M.D. of Price Skin Care Clinic in Ridgeland, MS. “But winter can wreck havoc on your skin as well, producing dry, itchy skin that can be uncomfortable and lead to other problems.”

To help you weather the rest of winter, follow these “Nine Tips to Winterize Your Skin’.

Tip #1: Moisturize, Moisturize, Moisturize
Just as the three rules of real estate are ‘location, location, location’, the three rules of proper skin care are ‘moisturize, moisturize, moisturize.’ Indoor heating systems tend to suck the moisture out of our skin, producing dry, flaky and sometimes itchy skin. Not only that, but as we age, our skin produces less moisture, enhancing lines and wrinkles. The most important thing you can do for your skin during the winter is to moisturize.

Tip #2: Use Cream not Lotion
There is a difference between creams and lotions. Lotions often have more alcohol content which leads to dryness. But creams with olive oil, avocado oil or shea butter can help keep the moisture in your skin and help prevent dry itchy skin.

Tip #3: Don’t Forget The Sunscreen
Even if the sun isn’t out, you can still damage your skin during the winter. Add snow glare to that and the winter sun is a double edge sword to your skin. As a rule, apply sunscreen to all exposed areas of your body 30 minutes before going out and reapply if necessary.

Tip #4: Pay Special Attention to Nose. Lips and Hands
If your nose is exposed to the elements, spread zinc oxide on it to protect against sunburn.

Lips are often forgotten but due to their sensitive nature, chapped, cracked or peeling lips are a nuisance and damaging to the layers of skin on your smackers. Keep a tube of lip balm in your pocket and use regularly.

Gloves provide critical protection from the cold, wet and wind but are also important to protect the thin skin on your hands from the sun.

Tip #5: Cover Your Head
Wearing a hat will protect your head from the sun’s harmful rays and from the cold winter wind. And wearing a helmet will do the same as well as provide some protection against head injury resulting from a fall. You can also opt to wear a ski mask, which covers everything but your eyes. Just remember to apply sunscreen to any exposed areas such as the eyes.

Tip #6: Humidify
Use a humidifier inside your home to add moisture to the air.

Tip #7: Avoid Hot Showers
A hot shower might feel good after spending a day in the cold weather, but resist the urge and have hot tea instead. Hot showers can deplete the natural moisture from your skin and make it dry and itchy. Keep your showers warm and to no longer than 10 minutes.

Tip #8: Consume foods that help with hydration
Even the foods you eat can help keep your skin healthy during the winter months.
• Fish provides omega-3 fatty acids, helping to protect the skin and retain moisture
• Nuts and avocados are rich in Vitamin E and antioxidants
• Olive oil also helps retain moisture in the skin and even helps protect again the sun’s harmful UV rays.

Tip #9: Hydrate
The skin is your body’s largest organ and needs plenty of water to keep it healthy and in good working order. So drink up and drink often.

Going Skiing This Month?
Be sure to check this article on how to take care of your skin on the slopes!