Winter Skin Care: Your Questions Answered

Petroff Center Plastic Surgery and Medi-Spa Frequently Asked Questions: Winter Skin Care

1. How does winter weather affect our skin?

The skin on your body has less oil glands and more sweat glands than on your face, so it is particularly vulnerable to dryness and barrier disruption. Although clothes offer some protection, certain parts of the body, such as the extremities, are more prone to dryness, especially when exposed to harsh weather conditions and/or occupations. Therefore, it is essential that you follow a yearlong body skincare program to control dryness and barrier disruption.

2. How should we care for our skin in winter? 

Avoid HOT, soapy water, which depletes the natural skin oils to the greatest degree.

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Take a short bath or shower. Do not shower for more than 10 minutes during a 24-hour period.

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After bathing/shower, quickly and gently pat the skin partially dry with a towel (do not rub).

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Apply a moisturizer within 3 minutes of getting out of the water to seal the water in the skin before it can evaporate.

 Moisturizers should be reapplied liberally throughout the day, especially to those areas prone to dryness (hands, arms, legs).

3. What can be done to protect skin while outside?

It is important to protect the skin yearlongwith daily sunscreen application, even during the winter months. When you are outside, cover your skin as much as possible. Wear gloves and utilize scarves to cover your delicate facial skin. Avoid wearing wool directly against your skin by wearing a cotton layer below any wool layers.

4. How can I tell if I have dry skin?

Typically your skin will feel tight or rough and will itch when it is dry.

5. What makes the skin dry, especially during the cold or winter months?

Dry indoor air, cold, windy weather with low humidity levels will dry out your skin further. Add an air humidifier and houseplants to your home to replace low moisture levels during the winter months.

6. What products do recommend for my Winter Skincare routine?

Add an exfoliant to your regiment to help turnover dry, dead skin cells and add extra hydration such as SkinCeuticals Hydrating B5 Gel. This serum gives your skin an extra boost and can be coupled with your daily moisturizer.