How to combat the cold of winter
Winter is never kind to our skin. It makes the epidermis, the skin’s outer layer, dry, cracked and wrinkled. The skin, especially on the hands, gets irritated, while facial skin can redden, peel and flake. It is a minor inconvenience for some, but others could experience cracked, itchy, painful and even bleeding skin. If you want to prevent the harsh effects of winter, there are ways to overcome the situation and successfully protect the skin from the cold, dryness and low humidity.
Protecting exposed parts of the body from the harsh weather is priority number one. Keeping the face and eyes protected with a warm hat, scarf, and glasses, with gloves on hands are musts.
Use warm, not hot water to wash and shower. Pat the skin dry instead of rubbing it to prevent irritation. Use a good quality moisturizer to hydrate the skin, and apply immediately after bathing. A cream is better than a lotion. Petroleum jelly is a good and cheap option, but its greasiness is disliked by some. Slather the skin especially the hands with moisturizer before going to bed and wear mittens or socks to retain the moisture.
Never forget sunscreen when you go out, even if it is cloudy and raining as the bad UV rays go through the clouds. Also, if you visit our fabulous mountains, sunscreen is a must as sunlight, combined with the glare from the snow, can wreak havoc on your skin. Don’t be tempted to go under a tanning bed despite the cold, as they can cause serious skin damage. Wear warm and comfortable clothing.
If you skin remains irritated despite your best efforts, the best solution is to consult a board certified dermatologist such as Dr. Amanda Lloyd of Skin & Vein Institute in Encinitas, CA. She will work with you to improve the health of you skin so you can Look Stunning. Always.
