As the seasons change, skin often can become dry, occasionally even appear dull or older. Creating the illusion of youthfulness can begin with keeping skin healthy and well moisturized. As evidenced by Dr. Dayan’s philosophy of Subliminal Difference, skin communicates many factors about the state of our body including age (which also insinuates fertility) and health. Keeping skin moisturized, particularly during winter months can help prevent wrinkles. For cases of deep wrinkles and extreme discoloration, laser treatments and injecables may be ideal. Advanced exfoliation techniques, such as dermaplaning or chemical peels provided by True Skin Care Center can also help create a more youthful appearance. In addition to using a quality moisturizers such as PCA Silk Coat Balm or SkinCeuticals Epidermal Repair, be cautious of situations that help induce dryness.
Preparing for The Season Ahead
Excitement brews when colder seasons draw near. New wardrobe options, weather, and holidays are always fun to take part in. But as energized as we are for the Fall and Winter seasons, we also dread the hard parts. Long winter days where leaving the house seems impossible, wet shoes and socks from winter snow, and of course, dry, damaged skin. Wind burn, car’s heaters, and roasting fires are all ways for a person’s skin to dry out, peel, crack, and potentially wrinkle. However, if you take appropriate steps to prevent dried out winter skin, you’ll have nothing to worry about. The first and foremost preventative measure is to moisturize everyday. There are many moisturizers to choose from but, most importantly, understand that a heavy moisturizer/cream doesn’t mean it’s better for dry skin. Often times, thick moisturizers can trap dead skin cells and make the skin look worse than it was before. Thinner serums with highly concentrated ingredients often work better. Finding a good moisturizer is often a trial and error game where different moisturizers work for some while not for others. Try and find a moisturizer that keeps your skin from feeling dried out without making it too oily. After moisturizing, there are several steps to prevent dry skin even further, here are some main causes and helpful tips:
CAR’S HEATER:
One of the biggest causes for dry skin in the winter is blasting the dry heat in your home, and more importantly your car. Often our cheeks and hands will dry out and burn. When using the heat in your car, try only using the vents that aim on the feet. Although it may not feel as good, remember, heat rises. If you wait just a little longer than usual the car will warm up just the same without the hot air blowing directly on your face and hands. If the car still starts feeling warm, try cracking a window just enough to keep constant circulation without making the car too cold.
WINDBURN:
Second to sunburn, windburn is the most damaging weather condition to your skin. It’s very similar to sunburn with over exposure causing redness, pain, and even blistering. When wind is especially strong, the friction caused is similar to sandpaper scraping across your face. The biggest measure you can take for protection is to cover up with scarves, hats, gloves, and sunglasses. All are great options to help keep your skin protected from winter winds. As sunburn can happen in the winter just as much in the summer, it’s a good idea to apply sunblock to exposed areas as well. Luckily for you, sunblocks contain a moisturizer that will help protect against windburn. For those exceptionally windy days that you may be very worried about, try using petroleum jelly as a thick protectant. Although extremely thick and greasy, it’s the best way to protect your exposed skin from harsh winds.
INDOOR HEAT:
During colder seasons, moisture can lack in a household due to central heat. It can be a very dangerous situation especially at nights when your body can go several hours without realizing the skin is in trouble. The best way to ensure a warm but moisturized home is to invest in a humidifier. Typically, a humidifier boils water which releases steam into the air. It keeps the air most enough to not cause drastic damage to your skin and doesn’t effect the heat of the house.
TOO HOT SHOWERS:
Often we want to take hot showers to warm our bodies in the cold weather. However, the hot water can be extremely damaging to our skin. Try limiting your shower time or taking lukewarm showers. This will keep your skin from losing essential vitamins and oils that help protect it. The same rule applies for washing your hands or face, keep the water cooler to keep from damage.
Summary
By following these fall and winter skin care tips, your skin will last another winter. If you’re having trouble with damaged skin it’s always best to consult a doctor that can prescribe stronger skin protectant. If it’s too late to prevent noticeable wrinkles, the winter is a good time to talk to a plastic surgeon about improving your look through interventions such as laser treatments, Botox(r), or dermal fillers. Cold winter days keep you inside making you more apt to stay in bed to heal.
