We are approaching the end of summer and living in Ohio this means less humidity and warmth in the air. How can these changes affect our skin? Well, the dryness of the cold fall and winter months can cause significant dryness in our skin which could potentially lead to other issues such as itchy dry skin. How can we prevent this? Here are some tips to preparing your skin for the dry cold months ahead.
1.) Keep it clean, not too hot and short: Try to cut your showers down to 5 mins or less. Also, the temperature of your shower should be warm. Avoid hot long showers as this will strip your skin of its natural oils/moisture and cause excessive dryness.
2.) Choose cleansers wisely: Often individuals enjoy that tight squeaky-clean feel after showering or washing their face. This is usually a sign of dryness which is likely caused by the soap/facial cleanser that you are using. Avoid drying soaps such as Dial, Ivory, zest, Coast etc
3.) Restore Moisture: Moisturize your skin daily. Don’t skip your moisturizer due to the morning rush. Its important to moisturize often but especially in the cold and dry, fall and winter months. There are great moisturizers over the counter. I often recommend Cerave Cream, Vanicream, Eucerin or Cetaphil products to be used 1 to 2 x daily. Carry a moisturizer with you to moisturize your hands frequently throughout the day.
4.) “Nourish” your skin well! What you consume is as important as what you put on your skin: Taking a supplement that contains Omega 3 fatty acids, B vitamins, Vitamin C and E will help in the hydration and health of your skin. Vitamin C is an antioxidant found in high levels in the epidermis and dermis. With Its role in collagen production, adequate intake can help prevent and repair dry skin. Vitamin E is another antioxidant. It functions mostly by protecting the skin from sun damage as well as counteracting a lack of sebum (oil) production in the skin. Sebum helps prevent dry skin. Omega-3 fatty acids hydrate your skin from within and foods that are high in Vitamin B2, B6 and B12 also nourish and repair your skin and improve water retention.
5.) Protect your skin: Continue to wear your sunscreen during the day to protect your skin from harmful UV rays. Many people assume that a lack of sunlight also means that there are no harmful rays. This is a misconception. UVA and UVB rays can affect your skin during all seasons of the year. Although the warm days of summer are gone the sun is still out and your skin can suffer from sun damage. Also wearing protective clothing not only to protect your skin from the sun but also from the cold weather is very helpful in preventing dry skin.
I hope this helps! Let’s be proactive protect and prepare our skin to look and feel its best all year around!