As the winter air begins to creep into our sunny California climate, you may notice your skin become dry, flakey, and even itchy. While cooler air is a nice reprieve, it also means less moisture. And while we may try our best to warm up with heaters, this only serves to dry out the air even more. So, how do you maintain healthy winter skin? These five tips from Norcal Dermatology Group can help you keep your skin healthy and moisturized all winter long.
1. Focus on Moisture
Since the air is drier, restoring moisture to your skin is one of the most important things you can do to achieve healthy winter skin. After washing your face, apply skincare products that restore moisture to your skin. For example, hyaluronic acid (HA) serum is great for hydrating and plumping the skin. Then, follow it up with a thick moisturizer. You can apply it both in the morning and at night.
2. Don’t Neglect Your Sunscreen
With the shorter days comes less sunlight, but that doesn’t mean you should neglect your sunscreen. UV rays can still be harmful this time of year. Be sure to apply sunscreen after your moisturizer in the mornings.
3. Avoid Hot Showers
While a hot shower after a long, cold day is tempting, it can also harm your skin. Hot showers strip the skin of its natural oil, causing it to become dry and itchy. Instead, opt for a warm shower, around 98.6 degrees, and be sure not to scrub too harshly.
4. Check for Expired Skincare Products
If you saved last year’s winter moisturizer for this season, you may want to check the expiration date first. Opened products lose their effectiveness quicker than sealed products, meaning you may not be keeping your skin as hydrated as you think. Not to mention, they could cause a bad reaction on your skin. Be sure to check the expiration date on any products you’ve had for a long time.
5. Schedule an Exam
Winter is also the perfect time to schedule an exam with a highly experienced dermatologist in Berkeley, CA. Not only can they examine your skin and provide you with advice individualized to your needs, but they can also provide you with a skin cancer screening.
To achieve healthy winter skin, contact Norcal Dermatology Group today at 510-330-2264.
