woman in winter coatWinter is a time for sipping cocoa before the fire, gathering with family and friends, and looking forward to the new year. Unfortunately, it is also a time when our skin needs extra attention. Dry weather can lead to itchy, irritated skin that can also cause redness. At Celebrity Skin Chicago, healthy, beautiful skin is our number one priority. In this blog post, we’ll discuss 10 tips for taking care of your skin this winter. As we approach some of the shortest days of the year, make sure to keep this advice in mind to ensure that you feel and look your best!

Moisturize!

Winter weather can easily sap your skin of its natural moisture, leading to a dry, flaky mess. Make sure to moisturize after you leave the shower, and before you go to bed at night. You might even want to wear cotton gloves and socks to seal in the moisture overnight. Opt for rich, oil-based lotions rather than water-based moisturizers for optimal hydration.

Invest in a humidifier

Use a humidifier in your home or office to increase the amount of moisture in the air, which can help keep your skin from drying out. There are many affordable and portable options for humidifiers on the market, so do some browsing before you buy. We promise that your skin will thank you!

Limit shower time and temperature

While it may be tempting to crank up the water temperature when the weather is cold, hot water can wreak havoc on your winter skin. Keep your showers to 5 to 10 minutes, and opt for lukewarm water. Excessively hot water dehydrates your skin and strips away necessary oils. If your skin is red and itchy when you get out of the shower, this is a sign that you were in there too long and/or the water temperature was too high.

Use gentle cleansers

The wrong soap can worsen your dry skin. When buying your winter cleanser, go for something organic and fragrance-free. You will also want to avoid alcohol-based cleansers as these can further dry out your skin. 

Treat your feet

It’s not just your hands that suffer from winter weather — dry weather can also cause thick, irritating calluses on your feet. To treat cracked and irritated feet, use a gentle hydrating scrub and moisturizer on your soles at night. Do this religiously for a month and you’ll be amazed by the results.

Lower the thermostat

Sometimes keeping your skin healthy requires a little bit of sacrifice. You may want to crank your thermostat up as high as possible when outside temperatures drop, but this can make your house even drier. Set your home thermostat somewhere between 68°F and 72°F to stay warm while maintaining healthy skin. 

Apply sunscreen

Just because the days are short doesn’t mean your skin isn’t affected by those powerful UV rays. Make sure to cover your face, neck, and hands (this will also keep you warm!) and apply at least 30 SPF sunscreen before leaving the house. If you’re hitting the ski slopes, you will want to be extra sun-savvy as snow reflects the sun. 

Drink water

Taking care of your skin in the winter is all about hydration, from the inside out. Experts recommend that you drink a whopping 8 glasses of water every day. This is especially true during the winter, when getting dehydrated is easier than you might think. Sip slowly rather than gulping. You may even want to set a reminder on your phone to remember to drink water every hour or so. 

Try coconut oil

Coconut oil is one of the hottest trends in skin care right now, and there are plenty of reasons why. Coconut oil fights free radical damage and has natural antioxidants that will keep your skin looking youthful. Making a DIY coconut oil scrub is a great way to to moisturize your skin while keeping costs to a minimum. 

Wear nonirritating clothing

We all know the misery of an itchy winter sweater. Wear natural, breathable layers, to avoid aggravating your skin. Avoid synthetic or itchy materials, such as wool, and opt instead for fabrics like cotton, cashmere, or chenille. Wash your clothes with dye-free, dermatologist-recommended detergent.

Winter weather doesn’t have to wreak havoc on your skin. Following these 10 simple steps will keep you smooth and glowing all season long. If you’re looking to give your skin an extra special treat this winter, try our airbrush tanning or waxing services. Book your appointment today!