How to Take Care of Your Skin During the Chilly Winter Season

As the days become shorter and the cold winter weather sets in, our skin takes a hit that often leaves it in less than ideal condition. 

For many, the harsh winter weather can make skin dry, flaky, and irritated. To help combat this issue, we find that several of our patients implement extra steps to adequately take care of their skin in the harsh climate. 

However, it’s not necessary to completely overhaul your product range or go overboard with the facials and topicals to optimally hydrate and moisturize for soft, supple skin! Instead, we recommend simple, easy-to-use winter skincare tips that help you achieve a glowing complexion all year round. 

Winter Skincare Tips for Healthy, Glowing Skin 

Taking optimal care of your skin during the harsh winter months is essential. Our skin is a protective barrier against harmful environmental elements, keeping us safe from bacteria, viruses, pollution, and so much more. 

However, if you don’t take proper care of your skin during the winter, it can become inflamed and irritated. In severe cases, this irritation can allow skin to crack and bleed. When the skin cracks, it becomes vulnerable to a whole range of unsafe and unhealthy circumstances, such as infections and painful skin conditions. 

To make sure this doesn’t happen to you, follow our essential winter skincare tips! 

Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate 

Hydrating your skin from the inside out is just as important as hydrating your skin externally! And this doesn’t just mean gulping a bunch of water throughout the day either. (Although, this is important!) 

Instead, you should both drink enough water and eat water-rich foods, such as fruits and vegetables! This is one of our top winter skincare tips that ensures your body is optimally hydrated each and every day throughout the winter season. 

Exfoliate… But Not Too Much! 

If you have dry, itchy skin, exfoliating might seem like the last thing you want to do! However, this winter skincare tip helps to slough away dead skin cells, clear out pores, and maximize the hydrating topicals you put on afterwards. Exfoliate one to two times per week for best results—any more and you risk over-exfoliating, which will only make matters worse

Avoid Long, Hot Showers or Baths 

While it may be tempting to turn up the dial and sit in a hot, steamy shower or bath during the chilly winter days, this will likely do your skin more harm than good! Overly hot water can strip your skin of its natural oils, which are essential for optimal skin hydration and protection. 

Instead, opt for luke-warm water during bath time or keep your hot showers short and sweet. If you are a bath-lover, we recommend using a high-quality bath oil to calm and hydrate the skin. 

Moisturize Immediately After Washing 

If you overdid it with the hot water in the shower, don’t fret! Simply lather on the moisturizer immediately after washing – while your skin is still a bit damp! – to lock in moisture and hydration. 

A top winter skincare tip of ours is to choose a heavier or thicker lotion during the chilly months. This will help to better maintain the skin barrier and keep your skin optimally hydrated! Some of our patients like to mix in an ointment such as Aquaphor or Vaseline with their regular moisturizing creams and lotions.

Lather on Sunscreen (Underrated Winter Skincare Tip!)

This is one of the most underrated winter skincare tips! Many believe that sunscreen is exclusively for the sunny summer months, but nothing could be further from the truth. 

Harmful UV rays still beam down during the winter and can reflect off the bright snow, giving your skin an ample dose of ultraviolet radiation. To protect your skin, we recommend applying sunscreen on your face, neck, and hands, as well as any other exposed area. 

Book a Professional Treatment at the Center for Surgical Dermatology 

Winter skin can often be dull, dry, and drab! To combat the worst winter skin ailments, we recommend booking in for a professional facial treatment, such as a chemical peel, microneedling treatment, or dermaplaning. 

Furthermore, regular facials help keep your skin clear, clean, and hydrated – a perfect combination for healthy, happy skin during the winter months! 

If you’re in the Westerville or Gahanna area in Ohio and would like to book a professional treatment, contact our clinic by calling (614) 847-4100 or reach out online. 

Cosmetic Dermatology in Central Ohio

The Center for Surgical Dermatology is ready to help you achieve healthy, beautiful skin! If you’d like to visit with a dermatologist to develop your ideal eczema treatment plan or need help addressing another skin condition, call (614) 847-4100 to schedule an appointment.