The winter season is notorious for wreaking havoc on the skin. Cold, dry air irritates the skin, causing it to look dull, aged and unhealthy. The good news is that there are plenty of adjustments you can make to minimize the effect cold weather has on your skin. Here, Dr. Ali Ghafouri, a talented Scottsdale facial plastic surgeon, shares some important skin care tips to follow during the winter season.
Take Precautions Against the Cold Weather
Use lukewarm water. It’s natural to want to shower or bathe using hot water during the winter, but this can rob your skin (and hair) of much needed moisture and oil. When you can, choose lukewarm water to avoid drying out your skin.
Moisturize immediately after showering. Moisturizing immediately after showering helps lock dampness into the skin.
Add extra moisture and oil. The moisturizer you use during summer may not be appropriate for winter. Cooler weather calls for heavier cream or an oil-based moisturizer that can deliver extra nutrients and moisture to the skin.
Cool it on the lattes. The lattes, coffees and frappes that are so popular and delicious during cold weather can dry out your skin. It’s wise to limit these hot, caffeinated beverages that dehydrate you and instead, up your water intake during winter.
Use a humidifier. Heating systems naturally dry out the air, so consider using a humidifier at home or in the office to put moisture back into the air.
Year Round Essentials
The truth is, a good skin care regimen is important at all times. Here are a few essential items you should use year round:
Sunscreen. Your skin is still at risk of sun damage during cold, overcast weather. Make it a habit to apply sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher whenever you spend time outdoors. You can protect the delicate skin around your eyes by wearing wraparound sunglasses that offer 100 percent UV protection.
Exfoliator. Exfoliating using a gentle scrub can remove dead skin cells to make way for younger, healthier skin.
Seek Professional Help
Do you need help restoring the glow your skin once had? Arizona Oculoplastic Specialists offers an array of skin treatments to repair and improve skin, including chemical peels, collagen induction and laser rejuvenation. We can recommend the best course of treatment following an in-office skin evaluation.
For more skin care tips or to learn more about the skin treatments we offer, schedule an appointment with us. Contact Arizona Oculoplastic Specialists by calling (480) 905-1010 today.
