Caity Healy | Lifestyle Editor
As the high temperature of the day in Monmouth remains consistently around the mid-40s, this can lead to the inconvenience known all too well by many: winter skin. The chilly weather plays a large part in the way our skin feels and looks, which can often lead to incredible discomfort and displeasure. For that reason, it’s important that during this time of year we put extra effort into making sure we are taking proper care of the skin we’re in.
Think about your daily skin routine if you have one. There are some changes you might want to consider making to it. And if you don’t have a skin routine, now is an important time to pick one up. How often do you exfoliate your skin? During this time of year, if you have particularly dry skin, you might want to consider lessening it or stopping altogether.
“Exfoliate less than you would normally,” Dr. Michele Farber, a dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology Group, noted on huffingtonpost.com, “because your skin barrier is going to be a little bit compromised because of the dryness and the cold air.”
On top of that, make sure you’re using gentle products on your face and body. As often as many enjoy using ultra-fragranced products, they can wreak havoc on your skin. Your best bet is to opt for something more gentle and bland, and stray from any heavily scented soaps or moisturizers. Foaming soaps are great as they don’t strip moisture away from the skin.
Your shower routine can also have negative effects on the skin. If you choose to take overly hot showers, the hot water will evaporate very quickly. Because of this, you need to moisturize your skin immediately after, otherwise the water will actually dehydrate your skin — this can be painful and lead to dry patches. Also, do not go outside right after showering or washing your hands. Make sure you’re completely dry, otherwise your skin will chap.
Finally, make sure you’re moisturizing properly. After you shower, you should pat your skin dry, then apply a thicker moisturizer that is higher in oil content while your skin is still damp. Again, avoid fragrances as they can irritate or further dry out the skin. And make sure you don’t go overboard on how much you use, as your skin can become dependent on it and won’t work to maintain its own natural hydration.
Contact the author at chealy16@mail.wou.edu
Photo by: Paul F. Davis
