As winter sets in, many people notice changes in their skin — dryness, flakiness, irritation, and even redness. These issues, commonly known as "winter skin," are the result of a combination of factors unique to the colder months. Understanding what causes winter skin and knowing how to care for it can help keep your skin healthy, glowing, and protected during the season.
What Causes Winter Skin?
Cold Temperatures: When the temperature drops, the air becomes drier. Cold, dry air strips your skin of its natural moisture, leading to tightness and discomfort.
Indoor Heating: While it’s necessary to stay warm, central heating systems lower humidity levels indoors, further depleting your skin of moisture.
Hot Showers: After a chilly day, it's tempting to indulge in long, hot showers, but this can actually aggravate winter skin by washing away your skin's natural oils and leaving it vulnerable to dryness.
Harsh Winds: Exposure to strong winter winds can cause chapped and irritated skin, as it removes moisture and protective oils from your skin's surface.
Reduced Hydration: Many people tend to drink less water in winter, which leads to dehydration and dullness in the skin.
With these challenges in mind, here are a few effective tips to help treat and protect your skin during the winter months.
1. Hydrate Inside and Out
Staying hydrated is key to healthy skin year-round, but it's especially crucial during the winter. Even though you may not feel as thirsty in colder weather, drinking plenty of water will help your skin stay plump and hydrated. You can also hydrate from the outside by using a high-quality moisturizer designed for your skin type.
Look for moisturizers that contain hyaluronic acid, glycerin, or ceramides, which are known for locking in moisture and repairing the skin's barrier. Applying moisturizer immediately after bathing while your skin is still slightly damp will help seal in hydration.
2. Avoid Hot Showers and Harsh Cleansers
Although a steaming shower can feel like heaven on a cold day, it can wreak havoc on your skin. Hot water strips the skin of its natural oils, leading to dryness and irritation. Instead, opt for lukewarm showers and baths. Limit your time in the shower to 10-15 minutes and use gentle, sulfate-free cleansers to avoid further stripping your skin of moisture.
After cleansing, pat your skin dry with a towel (avoid rubbing), and apply a rich body cream to lock in moisture.
3. Use Red Light Therapy to Rejuvenate and Protect
Red light therapy is an excellent treatment option to combat winter skin woes. Red light therapy is a non-invasive, therapeutic treatment that uses low-level wavelengths of light to penetrate the skin and stimulate collagen production. This helps to repair damaged cells, reduce inflammation, and promote healthy, hydrated skin.
Red light therapy can be particularly beneficial during the winter months when your skin is more prone to dryness, irritation, and sensitivity. Regular red light therapy use can improve skin texture, minimize fine lines, and reduce redness and inflammation caused by harsh weather conditions. It can also be a great supplement for getting light energy when sunlight might be harder to come by depending on where you live. If you're looking for a natural and effective way to support your skin's health this winter, red light therapy is a great option to incorporate into your skincare routine.
Celluma red light therapy devices offer the best in versatility for both home and professional use. With its patented, shape-taking design, Celluma can be used anywhere on the body to treat winter skin (face, hands, arms, decollete, etc.). Check out Celluma’s Best Sellers to see which device is best for you.
4. Use a Humidifier
Combating the effects of indoor heating is essential during winter. A humidifier helps replenish moisture in the air, preventing your skin from becoming excessively dry. Keep a humidifier running in your bedroom or main living area to help maintain optimal skin hydration, especially overnight.
5. Protect Your Skin from the Elements
When heading outside in cold weather, it’s crucial to protect your skin from harsh winds and freezing temperatures. Always wear gloves, scarves, and hats to shield your skin from direct exposure. In addition, don’t forget to apply sunscreen if you find yourself outside for long periods of time! Even though the sun's rays might feel weaker in winter, UV radiation is still present, and it can cause damage to your skin in prolonged exposure, especially if you spend time in snow-covered environments, where the sun reflects off the snow.
6. Gentle Exfoliation is Your Best Option
Exfoliating is essential for removing dead skin cells and allowing moisturizers to penetrate more effectively, but in winter, it's best to be gentle. Your best option is for a mild exfoliant, such as an enzyme-based scrub or a chemical exfoliant containing alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) like lactic acid or glycolic acid. Avoid over-exfoliating, as it can irritate your already sensitive winter skin. Once or twice a week is enough to keep your skin smooth without causing irritation.
Small Changes, Big Impact
Winter skin doesn’t have to be an unavoidable nuisance. By understanding what causes your skin to become dry and irritated during the colder months and taking proactive steps to care for it, you can maintain a healthy, glowing complexion all winter long. From staying hydrated to incorporating red light therapy into your skincare routine, small changes can make a big difference.
