When the season changes, our skin care routine should change, too. Even in areas like Houston and San Antonio, where the winters aren’t as cold and snowy as they are in the northern states of the U.S., the weather still changes. The climate change that comes when we transition from summer to fall and then fall to winter increases the air’s dryness. This is especially true for indoor areas where the heater is often running to keep the temperature up.
The increased dryness in the air means that our skin can become dryer and chapped. Facial redness, dry skin, and chapped lips are no fun. Aside from being uncomfortable, these symptoms can make the skin look rougher and make us feel self-conscious. Dry skin and chapping also make it more challenging to put make-up on the face and lips.
Below are some skin care tips to consider when the winter months bring dryer and cooler weather.
Update your cleanser and moisturizer for dry skin
With the increased dryness outdoors and indoors during the winter months, you might notice your skin becomes drier, as well. As a result, you want to switch to a moisturizing cleanser. Cream-based cleansers are often a good choice for the winter months.
You also want to switch to a moisturizer that locks in moisture. SkinMedica has some great cleansing and moisturizing product options for all skin types during the winter months.
Hydrate. Hydrate. Hydrate.
Many people confuse moisturizing and hydrating, thinking they are the same thing. However, hydrating the skin is different than moisturizing the skin. Hydration gives your skin a supple and plump appearance.
Our bodies are made up primarily of water. When we don’t have enough water in our system, our skin dries out. So, hydrating the skin is a must and necessary all year round. Drinking plenty of water is essential to keep our bodies healthy.
When it comes to skin care, you want to use a hydrator with hyaluronic acid (HA) in it. HA helps to hydrate the skin. HA is also a naturally occurring substance in our body that helps to give our skin a plump appearance. As we age, HA decreases in our bodies. Using an HA hydrator can minimize the appearance of aging caused by the loss of HA in our bodies.
A hydrator, like SkinMedica’s HA5, offers impressive results. It provides instant smoothing in the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. It also supports the skin’s natural ability to replenish hyaluronic acid.
Exfoliate your skin with the right products
If your skin becomes flaky or chapped due to dryness, a mild exfoliator that also moisturizes can help. Exfoliation supports our skin’s natural exfoliation process, which continually occurs. An exfoliator that also moisturizes will help avoid drying your skin out more than it already is while also removing the dry skin. If you have really dry skin, exfoliate only once or twice a week, so you don’t further dry out the skin.
Alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) and beta-hydroxy acid (BHA) products are also great exfoliators for the skin. Mild AHA products can be good for winter months, as they love water and improve the skin’s moisture content. Mild BHA products are suitable for acne-prone skin. They penetrate deeper into the skin than AHAs do. Because BHAs love oil, they bypass oil in the pores and dissolve dead skin cells and sebum that increase the chances of acne. Some skin cream and cleansing products combine AHA and BHA for more bang for your buck.
However, if you’re using retinoids, it is typically not advisable to use AHAs and BHAs, as well. It is also essential to use caution, read labels, and speak with your clinician as to the best way to use these products. Some AHA and BHA products can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight for some time, so you will want to protect your skin with sunscreen and avoid the sun as directed.
Exfoliate and moisturize your chapped lips
The lips are one area of the face that can easily get chapped during the dry winter months. There are some great lip exfoliators available these days. You simply rub a lip exfoliator gently over your lips and wipe it off. Then, frequently use a moisturizing lip oil or balm to keep your lips smooth and supple. You can also use an HA product on your lips. SkinMedica’s HA5 Smooth and Plump lip system treatment is a great option to hydrate your lips all year round.
Wear sunscreen
Some people think that sunscreen is only for the summer months when you’re out and about in the sun or laying on the beach. However, it is vital to wear sunscreen all year round to protect the skin from sun damage and premature aging. It is best to wear a sunscreen that protects against both UVA and UVB rays. SkinMedica and Elta MD both have sunscreens with UVA and UVB coverage.
Take advantage of laser treatments (like the BBL and Halo)
One way to up your game when it comes to reversing the signs of aging is laser treatments. Laser treatments, like broadband light (BBL) and the Halo, are perfect treatments for the winter months. These types of treatments require you to avoid the sun for a period before and after treatment. Laser treatments help to reduce the appearance of age spots, dull skin, and fine lines and wrinkles,
Schedule a skincare consultation
When in doubt, speak to your local skin care experts or aestheticians.
To learn more about taking care of your skin during the dry winter months, schedule a consultation at your local MedSpa or skin care clinic. At our Houston and San Antonio DermaTouch RN locations, our skin care specialists and aestheticians can provide you with skincare tips and advise you on the products and treatments that would work best for your skin type. You can book a consultation online or call 281.895.9090 (Houston) or 210.951.3520 (San Antonio).
We also offer regular DermaTouch RN specials on skin care products like SkinMedica and Elta MD. For the month of November, receive 15% OFF of in-clinic SkinMedica purchase and receive a FREE gift bag ($200 value) with a $300 purchase!
DermaTouch RN offers minimally invasive and non-invasive treatments for men and women in Houston, San Antonio, Spring and Cypress, as well as the surrounding areas of Texas. We are the largest aesthetic practice in the Houston area, and all of our medical spa treatments are performed by a team of nurse practitioners, registered nurses, and aestheticians who receive continuing education to remain abreast of emerging treatments that benefit our patients. We invite you to learn more about our office before your consultation.
