5 Ways to Promote Healthy Skin All Winter Long

During the winter, taking care of your skin is crucial to your health. Winter has arrived, meaning short cold days and dry air, both of which wreak havoc on your skin. You can take several steps to ensure your skin remains moisturized and safe throughout the colder months.

The team at Life Point Medical understands the importance of your skin health throughout the year. Dr. Timothy Scott Beck offers dermatology care and effective treatments when you're worried about your skin during the long winter ahead.

The importance of skin health

Your skin is your body's largest organ; it protects your bones, muscles, and internal organs from outside sources of harm. Your skin is essential for your health and well-being, meaning you should care for it correctly no matter what time of year is around the corner.

Protecting your skin is the only way to ensure it stays healthy throughout your life. Various sources damage your skin, including UV rays from the sun and harsh chemicals in certain products you use.

Your skin health is even more critical during the long winter months when the air is dry and cold. These months suck the moisture out of your skin, leaving it dry and vulnerable to cracking.

Signs of dry winter skin

Your skin health often changes with the seasons, especially during the dry winter. The humidity and warmth in the summer are beneficial for the moisture in your skin, while the dry cold air sucks the moisture right out.

It's not uncommon to experience dry skin in the colder months; however, you don't have to live with it. There are several signs of dry winter skin, some of which include:

• Redness
• Rough texture
• Itching
• Flaky spots
• Raw or irritated skin
• Cracked skin
• Burning sensation

Although it requires a little more effort, you can keep your skin looking and feeling good throughout the frigid winter months. Taking extra care of your skin helps retain moisture and prevent dry skin.

Keeping your skin healthy in the winter

Although winter is already here, you can start taking care of your skin immediately. Dr. Beck offers several lifestyle remedies to keep your skin looking and feeling its best. Five essential things you can do to keep your skin healthy during the winter include:

1. Wear sunscreen

Wearing sunscreen throughout the year is crucial to healthy skin. Even on cloudy winter days, you should still apply an SPF moisturizer to protect your skin from harmful UV rays. SPF helps reduce skin cancer risk and prevents signs of aging like wrinkles.

2. Opt for gentle moisturizers

Moisturizing is the key to healthy skin, especially in the cold. However, only some moisturizers are created equally. Be sure to choose a moisturizer with as few chemicals as possible, and look for creams, oils, or balms for optimal skin health.

3. Dial down the water temperature

While it's tempting to take a hot shower or bath after a long winter day, it's not the best option when you're trying to preserve your skin. Opt for lukewarm water, as it's less likely to strip the moisture out of your skin.

4. Stay hydrated

Drinking water is essential no matter what time of year it is. Still, it's especially vital to your skin during the winter. Staying hydrated allows your skin to retain moisture, preventing it from becoming dry and cracked.

5. Get a humidifier

When you have the heat blasting in your house, it dries out the air and your skin. A humidifier is the easiest way to introduce moisture back into the air during the winter to keep your skin healthy.

If you need expert care for your skin, call the Life Point Medical team at 706-782-0016 or schedule an appointment online to book a consultation with Dr. Beck today at our office in Clayton, Georgia.