There’s something about the winter you just love. There’s a crisp bite in the air, the holidays light up the months, and you can snuggle inside with a cup of hot chocolate and a cozy warm sweater. But while you may love the winter chill, your skin isn’t exactly happy with the changing seasons.
We may be extra cautious about our skincare routine during the summer months (hello, sunscreen), but that doesn’t mean we should be relaxed during winter. Winter’s dry and frigid air can wreak havoc on your skin if you’re not careful; plus, sun damage is still a very real concern.
Ready to winterize your skincare regimen? Here are the best winter skincare tips:
1. Switch out your light moisturizer for something a bit more heavy. During the winter months, the dry air sucks moisture from our skin, leaving it dry, red, and cracked. This can make wrinkles, fine lines, and other skin imperfections look worse than usual, so slather away. Bonus points if your heavy moisturizer comes with sun protection of SPF 15 or higher.
2. Don’t ignore your hands. The skin on your hands is much thinner, meaning they’ll often show signs of aging before any other part of your body. Our hands are also far more exposed to the winter elements, which can cause cracked and dry skin. Slather on a heavy hand cream during the morning and night. If you need intensive hand therapy, put a night cream on your hands and wear soft gloves while you sleep.
3. Fire up your humidifier. Winter’s dry air can cause significantly drier skin – but a humidifier in your bedroom can help replace any moisture you’ve lost. Additionally, a humidifier can help you breathe easier, as your nose won’t be dried out from the cold dry air.
4. Drink eight to twelve glasses of water each day. It may seem like a lot to remember, but once you see the results of keeping your skin hydrated, you won’t want to stop!
One of the best winter skincare tips is to see a skincare expert who can keep you looking your best no matter how much the temperatures drop. No matter what your winter skincare concerns, schedule a consultation with Dr. Lisa Kang and Dr. David Kang at Serenity MedSpa in San Francisco, CA. Simply fill out the form here or call 415-781-9200.