The Sentinel-Record - HER - Hot Springs
Skin Care Tips for Cold Weather
As temperatures plummet, many people begin to suffer from dry, itchy skin. Combine frigid temperatures with exposure to dry air from your furnace, and it’s no wonder your skin is itchy and uncomfortable during the winter months. Fortunately, there are a few steps you can take to feel more comfortable in your own skin as the weather cools down.
Watch Your Diet
Start by assessing your diet; are you getting enough hydration in your daily intake? Aside from drinking plenty of water (at least half your body weight in ounces per day, preferably), there are also some foods you can consume that are great for dry skin. Some of these include:
Olive Oil
Avocado
Fruits
Eggs
Hydrate and Protect
Hydrating, moisturizing, and protecting your skin is key to combating dryness and damage. This is especially important if you live or work in a place with dry air. A hyaluronic serum is a great basis to restore your skin’s water balance and keeps skin properly hydrated. Many serums contain some addition ingredients to address additional skin issues. Have a professional help you choose the one that is best for you. Choosing oil-based creams is also an option that will help to create a protective skin barrier that will help retain water. Also, don’t forget to wear sunscreen even during the winter months; damaging UVA and UVB rays are dangerous year-round.
Exfoliate Regularly
In addition to keeping your skin hydrated and moisturized, regular exfoliation is especially important during the winter months. Specifically, exfoliating at least once a week during the winter (and more during the summer) helps to remove layers of dead, dry skin to reveal softer and healthier skin underneath. Salt, sugar, or rice based scrubs are great for exfoliating dead skin cells and deep cleaning pores, thus allowing active ingredients to better penetrate and restore youthful complexion with each use.