Feeling the effects of our very cold winter? It’s no surprise. Cold dry air and indoor heat are working against your best efforts to keep your skin looking and feeling its best. But, it’s not hopeless. There are several steps you can take to counter the effects of our cold Chicago winter:
Moisturize!
The moisturizers you used all summer and even this fall probably won’t provide enough protection for your winter skin. This time of year, you don’t have to apply more moisturizer all at once. Instead, use a moisturizer that’s more effective for drier skin. And, apply it more often.
Avoid Drying Agents
Although alcohol, alpha-hydroxy acids and benzoyl peroxide products have their place in skin care, they aren’t very good to use in winter months. Choose products that will keep your skin clean but not dried out.
Protect your hands
Every time you put on and take off your gloves, essential moisturizers get stripped from your hands. Avoid alcohol hand sanitizers and reapply moisturizers to your hands often. I recommend carrying a small tube in your purse or pocket, and use it as often as possible.
Love your lips
Your poor lips! They are exposed to the elements much too much. Take good care of them by using a lip balm. If you keep them covered with a scarf, that will only help a bit. The cold air will still affect them, and the scarf can wipe off any lip balm you put on. Reapply often.
Remember your sunscreen
Just because it’s cold outside, it doesn’t mean you can skip the sunscreen. You can’t! Sunscreen helps block the harmful UV rays of the sun, the rays that can cause skin cancer, as well as premature aging of the skin. Those harmful rays are there no matter what the reading on the outside thermometers.
Here for your dermatological needs
Proper skin care requires daily maintenance and a well-conceived plan for your particular skin type, lifestyle, and needs. I provide both medical and cosmetic dermatological services. Please feel free to contact us to make an appointment