The cool winter wind brings bad tidings for skin.
For many, dry, irritated skin is a hallmark of the season. It’s not that cold air is inherently bad for skin. Rather, indoor heaters dry skin and long, hot showers wash away essential oils, leaving skin vulnerable.
“Winter skin is extremely chapped and basically dry, not just on the face, but on the body as well,” said Marina Grishchenko, owner of Royale European Skin Care in Lake Stevens.
There are, however, ways to delay and maybe even prevent the onset of winter skin.
Bathe differently
Taking shorter, cooler showers or baths helps skin retain oil. Dr. Elizabeth Smoots, a Seattle-based family physician whose column appears in The Herald on Tuesdays, also recommends using less soap and avoiding harsh soaps and antibacterial products if possible. She recommends mild soaps, such as Dove, Neutrogena and Basis.
“Soap tends to dry the skin, and it washes away the natural oils; so using soap sparingly can help,” Smoots said.
Moisturize
While skin is still slightly damp, apply lotion or body cream.
“Applying moisturizer helps to seal that water into the skin and keep the skin moist and supple,” Smoots said.
Look for lotions that are dermatologist recommended. She likes Neutrogena, Alpha Keri, Cetaphil and Nivea.
Grishchenko uses Epicuren lotions throughout the year, opting for a thicker lotion in the winter and a lighter one in the summer. She recommends using twice as much lotion in the cold months.
Splurge
In her salon, Grishchenko offers moisturizing facials and body scrubs designed to protect and heal winter skin.
“Because our skin is very chapped and dry all over the body … it’s important to exfoliate so the lotions can reach deeper,” she said.
Other ways to protect your skin include lowering the heat in your home and car, wearing sunscreen outside and slipping socks on moisturized bare feet when you’re inside.
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