How to Protect Your Skin During Winter

Winter brings great things: the holidays, hot cocoa, time with friends and family, and a start to a new year. However, the crisp, cool weather that comes with it can cause skin to get dry and irritated. Even your homes’ heating system that you adore sucks the moisture out of the air and can add to the dryness of your skin. Follow these six tips from Georgia Dermatology Center in order to help you keep your skin hydrated and healthy this winter.

1. Moisturize daily.

Add moisture back to your skin after you shower by applying lotion or oil to slightly damp skin. This will allow the moisture to stay in your skin and serves as a barrier against dry, heated air as well as harsh winds.

2. Stay hydrated, drink water.

Drinking water is important year round to promote overall health. Although it may seem that the warmer months require us to drink more water than usual, it is just as important to drink water during winter. Water hydrates skin and helps it maintain its moisture levels and healthy glow.

3. Eat healthy.

Everyone is familiar with the phrase “you are what you eat”. This remains to be true with skin health as well. Moisturizing your body from the inside reaps huge benefits for the way your skin appears on the outside. Foods that are rich in omega-3 fatty acids should be added to your diet to improve the condition of your skin. Incorporating foods like olive oil, salmon, kidney beans, and walnuts into your diet can help prevent dry, irritated skin.

4. Avoid taking long, hot showers.

After a day in the cold, a steaming hot shower sounds amazing. But a hot shower can actually cause your skin to lose its moisture. Parched skin can be prevented by taking warm and lukewarm baths and showers.

5. Don’t skimp on sunscreen.

Applying sunscreen in the winter may seem strange, but it’s essential. The sun’s rays are still effective during the winter and protecting your skin from the damaging rays aids keeping the overall health of your skin balanced.

6. Try using humidifiers in your home and office.

Humidity may not be your hairs best friend, but it is great for your skin! Full-room humidifiers help pump moisture back into heated rooms and keep your skin stay moisturized.