As winter settles in, our skin faces so many challenges from adapting to colder temperatures, dry air, and indoor heating. All of these factors result in dry, itchy, and irritated skin. However, with some simple adjustments to your skincare routine, you can maintain healthy, hydrated, and radiant skin throughout the year, even during the winter months.
In this article, I will give you the top naturopathic tips and strategies for optimal winter skincare.
In this article I will talk about:
Understanding winter skin challenges
During the winter months, our skin confronts challenges that exacerbate dryness and irritation. The primary culprits include cold weather, indoor heating, hot showers, and UV exposures:
Cold Weather: Cold, frigid temperatures are known to strip the skin of its natural oils, leading to increased dryness and sensitivity. Dry air coupled with the cold temperatures can also cause chapped and flakey skin, especially on exposed areas like the face, hands, and lips.
Indoor Heating: As cozy as it feels, our central heating systems are big culprits to dry winter skin. Heaters reduce humidity indoors, making the air dry and contributing to dry skin and irritation. This can lead to a compromised skin barrier, chapped skin, and irritation.
Hot Showers and Baths: Another contributor to a compromised skin barrier are long hot showers. I know! You have to fight the temptation to stand under hot water for a long time during the winter because they cause moisture loss and dehydration. Hot water can also exacerbate conditions like eczema and psoriasis, leading to discomfort and flare-ups.
UV Exposure: Yes, you do need to wear SPF in the winter. Despite the cloudier skies, UV rays can penetrate clouds and winders, causing sun damage and accelerating the aging process. Sunscreen is essential year-round!
Top 5 Tips for Healthy Winter Skin
1 - Hydrate Inside and Out: Cold weather and indoor heating can strip moisture from your skin, leaving it feeling lack-luster and dehydrated. You can combat this by staying hydrated inside and out (check out my favorite electrolytes to keep you hydrated from the inside). Keeping your skin hydrated from the outside involves moisture-locking creams to protect your skin against the effects of cold temperatures.
Consider these skincare products:
2 - Limit Hot Showers and Baths: As tempting as a long bath or shower sounds, you have to try to limit your time under the hot water. These activities can strip your skin of its natural oils, and when this happens, your skin can feel very dry and sensitive. Instead, opt for shorter, lukewarm showers and baths. Remember to gently pat, not rub, your skin dry with a soft towel to avoid more irritation.
3 - Choose gentle cleansers: Many facial and body cleansers contain foaming agents that are associated with proper cleansing. These agents, like sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), contribute to dry and irritated skin because they are known to strip the skin's natural oils. Look for cleansers with nourishing ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, or ceramides to maintain the skin's moisture and prevent irritation.
Consider these skincare products:
4 - Don't Forget Sunscreen: Just because it's wintertime doesn't mean you can skip out on applying sunscreen. UV rays can penetrate even the thickest clouds on a cloudy day and windows, leading to sun damage and premature aging. Make sunscreen a non-negotiable step in your skincare routine, and do not forget to reapply throughout the day. Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher daily, even on cloudy days. Choose a sunscreen that offers protection against both UVA and UVB rays to shield your skin from sun damage and premature aging.
Consider these sunscreens:
5 - Moisturize Overnight: Take advantage of your body's natural repair process while you sleep by applying a rich, emollient moisturizer or hydrating mask before bedtime. This allows your skin to absorb nourishing ingredients deeply, leaving it soft, supple, and rejuvenated come morning. Consider using a thicker, occlusive moisturizer during the winter months to provide extra protection against the elements.
Consider these skincare products:
Incorporating these naturopathic tips into your winter skincare routine can help you maintain healthy, glowing skin throughout the season. Remember, consistency is key when it comes to skincare, so make sure to follow these tips regularly to achieve optimal results.
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As a dedicated Naturopathic Doctor, I invite you to schedule a personalized 1-on-1 appointment with me. Click here to book your appointment for personalized treatments tailored to your needs.
My goal is to empower you to make your lifestyle your medicine, so I encourage you to take the first step by scheduling an appointment with me. Together, we will create a personalized plan that includes a whole foods lifestyle, exercise routines, and, if needed, nutritional supplementation.
I look forward to working with you!
*Dr. Francesca works only with patients physically located in California.*
*Disclaimer: Although I am a doctor, I may not be your doctor. The information contained within the pages of this site is for educational purposes only and should not be used to treat conditions. Please consult with your doctor before implementing any of the treatments, diets, supplements, etc. mentioned in this blog.*
*Dr. Francesca is an affiliate for Amazon, Nutrafol, and other companies. Some links contained within the blog posts may be affiliate links from which she receives a small commission to help support her practice at no extra cost to the customer.*