Dry winter skin tips: A dermatologist's advice for cold weather relief

Winter isn’t just the most dismal time of year – it can also wreak havoc on skin. The cold months of December through February can leave one's epidermis feeling parched and uncomfortable. How can you avoid this? We consulted NYC-based dermatologist Joshua Zeichner on how to keep skin healthy when the temperature drops.

“Winter weather is not only cold, but also dry. The low humidity in the air takes its toll on the skin, leading to dryness, cracks in the outer layer, and inflammation,” Dr. Zeichner told us Wednesday. “Your skin is not safe indoors either, as indoor heat tends to be dry as well.”

Zeichner is the Director of Cosmetic and Clinical Research at Mount Sinai Hospital's Department of Dermatology in New York City. He recommends the following tips to protect skin during the winter.

Change your skincare routine

"It is important to change up your regimen to compensate for the new climate. Make sure to use hydrating cleansers. Oil based cleansers and cleansing balms are popular options during the wintertime because of their hydrating properties,” Zeichner said. Coconut and olive oils are inexpensive options that can be found at grocery stores. Kiehl’s Midnight Recovery Botanical Cleansing Oil gently cleanses skin with lavender oil, fatty acids and squalane.

Moisturize frequently

“Make sure to moisturize within five minutes of getting out of the shower to lock in hydration," Zeichner advised. "Look for products that contain ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, which acts like a sponge to pull in hydration to the outer skin layers, and ceramides, which help repair a damaged skin barrier." He recommends Aveeno’s Skin Relief Moisture Repair Cream and Neutrogena’s Hydro Boost water gel.

Don't neglect your home's air

“Purchase a cool mist humidifier for your bedroom to replace hydration and increase humidity in the air. Cool mist humidifiers are safer to use than hot steam options which can burn the skin if you get too close to it,” Zeichner said. Ultrasonic's Cool Mist Humidifier is quiet and has an automatic shut-off feature. Consider buying a smaller humidifier for your office.

Watch your diet

“Especially in the wintertime, it's important to have a well-balanced diet. Fatty fish like salmon are rich in omega-3 fatty acids that provide building blocks for healthy skin cell function," Zeichner explained. "Green leafy vegetables are great natural sources of antioxidants which help reduce inflammation in the skin."

Drinking water will help internal hydration levels, but don't beat yourself up if you fail to down the recommended eight glasses per day.

“While it is important to stay well-hydrated by drinking adequate amounts of water, there is no true data showing that a glass of water is necessary to keep the skin hydrated," Zeichner said.

http://www.wtae.com/article/dry-winter-skin-tips-a-dermatologists-advice-for-cold-weather-relief/8586901

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