As the colder, dry air settles in this winter, make sure you’re taking care of your skin to keep it looking healthy and glowing. If you experience dry, chapped skin on your face or even if you just want to make sure you’re protecting yourself from the harsh elements, Dr. Joseph Guarino at Derma Cosmedica in Hamilton, NJ has some advice for you.
Protecting Skin from Cold Weather
Don’t Forget Sunscreen
While it’s cooler outside and the sun’s rays are less intense than in the summer, your skin still needs sunscreen. Your skin is still vulnerable to the sun’s harmful ultraviolet light, so make sure you are protecting yourself just as you would in the summer.
The minimum amount of SPF you need in your sunscreen is SPF 30, and a good way to keep your skin protected and nourished is to use a moisturizer with SPF in it in the morning. Try moisturizers that are thick but won’t clog your pores so your skin is both hydrated and protected from UV rays.
Avoid Skin-Drying Soaps
If your skin feels tight after cleansing, that’s a sign that you need to add some moisture back. Many soaps actually dry the skin in addition to cleaning it, but there are many out there that actually add moisture. Use thicker, creamy-looking soaps that will add a hydrating layer to the skin so it won’t dry out in the weather.
Avoid products containing alcohol as that will remove moisture from the skin. Instead, try products with shea butter or glycerin, which helps restore moisture.
Exfoliate According to Your Skin Type
You might not think you need to exfoliate your skin in the winter, but you do! Even people with combination or oily skin will benefit from exfoliation, and so will people with drier skin. It’s important to remove dead skin cells and allow the moisture-rich cells underneath to come to the surface.
If you have oily or combination skin, exfoliate twice a week. If you have more dry or flaky skin, exfoliating two to three times per week will help keep skin looking and feeling healthy and moisturized, even in the cold weather. At Derma Cosmedica, we offer a variety of customized facials and peels to address all of your skin concerns, no matter the weather! Schedule a consultation or call our office at (609) 389-9671 to keep your skin healthy in every season.