Outside...But Baby It’s Cold Outside

It’s that time of year once again, you either love it or hate it. The sun is setting earlier while the moon and stars appear longer in the crisp dark sky above. We’ve entered that annual part of the seasons where stepping outside can be a cold and sad experience of stepping out into a nightmarish chill that can cause issues with your skin. The winter air can be devastating for your skin with harsh winds, cold temperatures and blasting heaters, it’s no wonder skin can react badly.

Dry, sore, and chapped skin walks hand in hand with these cold dark winter days. That ever so delightful nip in the air steals away all the moisture from your skin, and unless you like the cold it also takes away your motivation to even dare to venture outdoors, unless you have to. A few steps done now to avoid dry skin could mean helping to avoid extra weather related wrinkles as you age further down the road.

Stay hydrated. Winter time air can be incredibly dry. It’s possible to become dehydrated and not even know it in the winter time. Keeping your fluid intake on the high side will ensure that your skin is prepared from the inside to the outside.

Your skin can benefit from the use of a good moisturizer during these months. Using caution when buying a product, most store bought moisturizers can work against you. If the moisturizers main ingredient is water, it can actually work against you and dry the skin, making winter skin problems worse. Look for a light moisturizer that will create a thin barrier between the cold dry air outside and your skin instead of a traditional moisturizer for these cold months. Try to avoid the heavier oil based creams that may clog your pores. There is still sunshine, which can be just as intense, so don’t forget the light non-greasy sunscreen to protect your skin from harmful rays.

Don’t forget your lips, they are thin and delicate, all these winter elements conspire to make your smoocher dry and tight. Avoid chapsticks go for a balm. Try not to lick your lips, it will actually dry them out further. Use a good balm that will lock in the moisture which will help protect them from drying and cracking which can be painful.

Bundle up good. That chilling winter air is damaging to the skin. Try to keep your skin from being exposed to the harsh elements as much as possible. Wear gloves, hats, scarves and other warm clothing while outside to protect your skin and prevent it from cracking. Additional layers will help keep you warm as a nice touch. If you must be outside for extended period of time you might want to think about the use of a face mask to protect your skin from the low temperatures, unforgiving harsh winter winds, and biting cold snow.

Dry air is just as terrible for skin leading to abrasions, rashes, peeling, and cracks. At work or at home you can help to ease this with the use of a humidifier which are effective at reducing the damage caused indoors as the heaters get cranked warming the air which pulls the moisture from the air and your skin. An added plus to a humidifier is that is makes the air feel warmer, so you might turn down the furnace a touch and save a few bucks.

Hot dry is is the worst for skin, so try to take care not to heat it up too high. Too much hot and dry air can irritate existing skin conditions making them worse such as acne, blackheads, rosacea, and eczema. Turning down the heater just a few degrees can help prevent this from happening. Rapid changes in temperature from one extreme of cold to the other hot are also damaging to the skin. Trying to keep your body at a constant comfy temperature for most of the day can help to reduce skin damage. Dressing in layers to prevent sudden temperature changes and overheating as you go about your activities outside is wise.

Just as a little pick me up, eating dark chocolate in moderation is a win win. Studies have shown that the flavonoids, which are antioxidants, it contains help to fight free radicals, reflect UV light, protect the skin, increase blood flow, hydration and complexion. This tasty treat also helps to improve your mood and can give you a little boost of energy. This is almost a perfect little snack.

Your skin has a delicate balance that is easily upset and can react badly. But that doesn’t mean that you have to just accept having terrible winter skin. If you keep in mind the things mentioned above it will go along way to helping your skin now and possibly avoid adding to future wrinkles.