10 Tips to Keep Winter Skin Healthy and Vibrant

By Gina Ricciardi, LE CPE

Ricciardi Electrolysis Center, Lincroft                                                           http://www.ricciardielectrolysis.com/ 

(With advise from Dr. Rudolf Thompson of Thompson’s Center for Plastic Surgery, Colts Neck

and Dr. Eric Bernstein of Center  for Cosmetic Laser Surgery, Philadelphia, PA)

The winter season can present various problems for our skin from our lips to our fingertips.  Adults and children can experience dry skin issues like itchy, irritated, flaking and cracked skin.  Here are some tips to follow this winter to help skin remain healthy and vibrant all winter long.

1.        Moisturize frequently with lotions or creams. Oil based creams like avocado, primrose, and almond oil are great for your face and will not clog facial pores.  Lotions that contain humectants help to attract moisture to your skin.  Read the labels and look for humectant ingredients like glycerin, sorbitol and alpha-hydroxy acids.   Don’t forget lips need to be protected with a lip balm or ointment as well.

2.      Drink more water and hydrate from within.  Water is the best choice.  But other beverages are fine as long as they do not contain caffeine.  Caffeine acts as a diuretic causing water loss.  Tea, coffee and soda should be caffeine free.

3.      Lower the thermostat. Try to resist cranking up the heat when it becomes chilly outside.  The central heat will make the house even drier.  Keep the air in your house at a cool yet comfortable setting to maintain healthy skin.

                   

4.      Invest in a humidifier.  Using a humidifier in your home or office will add moisture to dry winter air.

5.      Skip Hot Showers and instead take a 5 to 10 minute lukewarm shower. Steamy hot water dries out skin stripping it of its natural oils. 

6.      Best times to moisturize skin are right after hand washing or a shower.  Apply your moisturizer while the skin is still moist.  The products work better to protect the skin and retain moisture. . At bedtime slather on thick rich moisturizing cream on hands and wear a pair of cotton gloves.

7.       Sunscreen should be applied even in the winter months.  UV rays come through the car windshield and while your outdoors damaging the skin.  Protect skin with an SPF of 15 or higher.

8.      Exfoliate to remove dry dead skin cells.  Once the dead skin is off, the moisturizing products will be absorbed and work better. This pertains to your hands and feet as well.

9.      Wear clothing made of fabrics that are soft and breathable against your skin.  Then pull on a warmer sweater.  Wool may be warm, but it can irritate skin. Protect your hands by wearing gloves during the day. When washing dishes use gloves to protect your hands from drying out. 

10.    Seek a skin care specialist who can evaluate your skins needs.  A specialist can analyze your    skin type, troubleshoot your skin care regimen and give you advice on the skin care products you should be using.