What To Do About Dry Winter Skin?

This time of year again…chapped lips, windburn, dryness - you name it, we’ve seen it! Winter can really take a toll on your skin. It happens when the dry air that swoops in with the season creates harsh conditions for most skin types.

But why is winter weather so hard on your skin?

            Dry winter air hampers our skin's ability to retain moisture by 25% or more! Indoor heating systems can strip moisture away from the outer layers of skin. A long hot shower will also drain much-needed moisture. However, hot water and heating systems aren’t the only culprits here! The soap and makeup products you are using may also have drying agents creating the perfect recipe for skincare problems.

The good news is there are plenty of ways to relief dry skin. They all start with quality skincare.

            Use A Gentle Cleanser

            What can you do to prevent your skin from drying up during the winter season? Most importantly, "Moisturize, moisturize, moisturize!" Use high-quality skincare products at Medlife Aesthetics. We recommend Zo Medical’s gentle exfoliating cleanser that targets surface oil leaving the skin feeling clean, but not stripped and dry.

            Sure, high-quality products may cost a little more, but your skin will love you for them!  To start, try a different soap. Your favorite soap or body wash may also be working against you. Look for a soap with moisturizing properties. Use a gentle hydrating cleanser and immediately follow up with a moisturizer. During these cold, harsh months, you may need to moisturize many times a day to replenish your skin's moisture. 

            Stay Hydrated

            Drink plenty of water. You have heard this before, but glowing skin is just another reason you should try to consume at least eight glasses of water or more daily. How much water you need is based on your height and weight. Remember that drinking enough water isn’t the ‘cure all’ for winter skin problems but hydration is essential for a glowing complexion.

            Wear Sunscreen

            Sunscreen should be a year-round staple of your skincare routine! Even though it’s cold outside, your skin still needs protection from the sun. Studies show snow and ice can reflect up to 90% of the sun's harmful UV rays. UV from the sun is known to cause wrinkles and skin cancer. 

            Above all, remember "Beauty Starts with Your Skin”. If you have questions about products or are looking for skincare recommendations, don’t hesitate to give our aesthetic team a call. All Zo Medical skincare products and be prearranged for convenient pickup at our office in North Vancouver.