How to protect your skin from winter's dryness
Oct 29, 2024
NORTH DAKOTA (KXNET) — It may still be fall and the weather may be warm, but winter will be here before anyone knows it.
Switching seasons, especially when it happens quickly, can have an effect on skin that's often overlooked.
The skin loses up to 25% of moisture when the temperature and humidity drop, so making sure you're protecting your skin can be a challenge.
Thankfully, beauty editor at Cosmetify, Franchesca Villar, has shared some of the best skincare hacks to keep the face feeling moisturized, no matter what happens with the weather.
The first thing people can do is called "slugging." It's called this because of the slimy appearance it gives your skin by slathering Vaseline on as the last step in a beauty routine. This is beneficial because it creates a protective barrier to lock in moisture, keeping the skin hydrated.
Since petroleum jelly is affordable, people can eliminate the need to buy expensive spot treatments.
The second thing people can do is avoid hot showers, no matter how tempting they are. Hot water can strip the skin of natural oils, which are essential for maintaining hydration. They can also worsen eczema, rosacea, or sensitive skin, which then leads to irritation, redness, and inflammation.
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People should opt for a warm or lukewarm shower, since the water will be gentler on the skin and reduce the risk of flare-ups.
The third thing people can do is switch to a more hydrating moisturizer. People should continue to wash their face twice a day, but you don't have to overdo it with cleansing like you would in the summer. In the winter, skin tends to be drier, so using a moisturizer that is cream or oil-based is best.
Cleansing too much can wash away natural oils, leaving the skin more vulnerable to dryness and damage. Switch to a gentle, hydrating cleanser and only cleanse when it's needed to keep the skin healthy and balanced.
The fourth thing people can do is use a humidifier. They can be highly beneficial for healing dry skin because they add moisture to the dry indoor air. Usually, the heat is turned up, stripping the air of moisture, and damaging the skin.
Humidifiers have the power to soothe irritated skin by adding moisture to the air, which prevents the flakiness that happens when it's cold, especially for those who have skin conditions.
The final thing people can do is ease up on exfoliating, and that's because the skin is already more prone to dryness. When you exfoliate, the skin's protective barrier is even more fragile. So over-exfoliating can cause more damage. That barrier is crucial for retaining moisture and keeping out irritants.
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