Skin Care

THE HEALTHIEST WAYS TO KEEP SKIN SOFT

SKIN CARE FOR THE WINTER SEASON

BY HILTON HEAD MONTHLY

While we all know how important skin care can be in the height of summer with the soaring heat and humidity but living well in the skin you’re in is a year-round job.

Winter is still a wonderland in the coastal paradise of the Southern Southeast, where laid-back Lowcountry living calls you out of doors 365 days of the year, cozying up on porches, bundling on boats, and wrapping up for those long winter walks on the beach.

Whether you’re striving to avoid dry, itchy skin, heal harsher winter conditions, or maintain healthy prevention of skin cancers, here are your best bets for the – somewhat – cooler months.

Some like it hot. Your skin does not:

Lower temps and shorter showers, or not over-washing hands is always good advice, but it becomes even more consequential in winter, just when warmer water can be challenging to avoid when you’re trying to get the temperate chill out of your bones. But it’s your skin that pays the price as scalding water can strip essential natural oils and dry out skin. A good rule of thumb is if your skin “reddens,” it’s too hot for a healthy skincare regimen in any month, and especially harsh in the winter season.

Deep Conditioning in Colder Conditions:

Moisturizing is oft overlooked as it can seem non-essential but it’s anything but, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. The more you lose hydration, the more it needs replaced, and in winter, your skin needs all the help it can get, from chapped lips to cracked hands to whole-body healing. Dermatologists frequently recommend a hydrating lotion that supports a natural replenishing of your skin’s hyaluronic acid. Apply to damp skin right after washing to “lock in moisture” and deep-treat dry, chapped, itchy skin or pre-emptively save it from drying out.

Take Cover:

Skin damage is not caused by heat or high temperatures, it’s caused by the sun, and especially in the Lowcountry, the sun still shines all winter long. Don’t be afraid to pull out the hats and scarves to keep out the chill and extra-bright UV rays from wintry skies. A light pair of gloves can protect the sensitive skin of your hands.

Hydrate while you Hibernate:

You may feel like you’re tucked away for the solstice, but water intake is perhaps even more important while we’re “overwintering.” As we crank the heaters higher and keep windows closed to circulate dry indoor air, our skin dries out fast. Adding insult to eczema, we double up on the dehydrating every time we cozy up with coffees, teas, hot chocolate, or cocktails. Hook up a humidifier, trade out a few caffeinated cups for hot water and lemon.

Go Pro:

Keep up a healthy routine of performing regular self-exams year-round, checking for unusual spots, sores slow to heal, new or changing moles and discolorations. But get a team behind you too – make sure a visit with a specialist is an annual commitment. Not only is it important to diagnose conditions and treat them while they’re the most susceptible to healing, but skin conditions and cancers are crucial to catch early – and most often highly treatable when they are.

Pack a winter toolkit for soft and healthy skin:

Carry a travel lotion and a lip balm in a purse or car console along with plenty of water and chose skin products with added SPF for winter skin. Limit shower temps and dehydrating beverages. Simplify your ability to prepare and protect through bright winter sun glare, for those long walks at low tide and kayaking and turn to those in the know to get a professional, personalized plan for perfect winter skin.