When the weather is freezing, it’s time to change your skincare and beauty routines. Dr. Heidi Waldorf, Director of Laser and Cosmetic Dermatology at The Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York City, gives a bit of insight on how to protect your skin so you can look fabulous all winter long.
1. Whenever outdoors, wear gloves! Protecting your hands from the cold air will reduce dryness and scale.
2. Water flows from highest to lowest concentration, “that’s why it is pulled from our skin to the cold dry winter air,” says Dr. Waldorf. “Be sure that your moisturizers contain ingredients both to pull in moisture — humectants like glycerin and hyaluronic acid — and to seal it in to the skin — occlusive like petrolatum, dimethicone, or shea butter.”
3. Although it may be enticing, avoid long hot showers or baths this winter. “Keep it short — less than 15 minutes is best — and lukewarm,” says Dr. Waldorf. It’s also great to use a replenishing cleanser (Dr. Waldorf suggest Dove Body Wash Deep Moisture) to clean without stripping the proteins and lipids that make up the healthy skin barrier.
4. Use a humidifier in your bedroom. Having the air humidified while you sleep will help reduce the dryness you feel in the morning.