Winter Skin Care: Everything You Need To Know
Cold weather can take a toll on your body. When temperatures drop, so does the moisture content in your skin. Even if you have healthy skin for the rest of the year, you may be more likely to develop a skin condition during the winter months. Without treatment and lifestyle changes, skin problems can continue beyond the winter season. Fortunately, there are ways to keep your skin healthy and moisturized year-round. Our specialists sit down to share everything you need to know about winter skin care, including tackling daily challenges, minor lifestyle enhancements, and, remedies and solutions for your winter skincare condition.
A common question we hear during the winter months is, “What Could Go Wrong In The Winter? My Skin Is Covered-Up?”
Winter is a tough season, especially when it comes to our skin. During the winter, our skin loses extra moisture, nutrients, and essential oils, all essential components in maintaining the health of our skin.
Common Skin Problems In Winter:
Eczema, Psoriasis, Chilblains, Dermatitis, and Cracked Heels
Common Symptoms of Winter Skin Conditions:
Redness, Swelling, Itching, Flaking, and Sensitivity
Underlying Conditions Worsened by Winter:
You are more likely to develop a skin condition during the winter if you have a history of:
Eczema, Rosacea, Dermatitis, Asthma, and Allergies
Shift Your Skincare Routine For Winter
To maintain healthy skin all year long, you need to adapt to the effects of winter weather on your skin.
Here are our top tips for adjusting your skincare routine for winter:
Tip #1: Use A Humidifier.
The air is naturally dryer in the winter months. https://www.pedifix.com/ specialists recommend replenishing lost moisture by replacing the water content in the air. This can be achieved with a humidifier, preferably in all rooms of your home, but definitely in your bedroom as you sleep. Humidifiers work against the reduced humidity in the air during winter months, ultimately keeping your skin hydrated. There are two types of humidifiers available for home use. A warm mist humidifier heats water to produce steam that humidifies the air. A cool mist humidifier releases tiny water droplets into the air. Both serve different benefits and purposes.
Choose A Warm Mist Humidifier If You…
Prefer cozy warm mist (similar to a sauna)
Are humidifying smaller square footage
Want a super quiet unit
Choose A Cool Mist Humidifier If You…
Have children or pets
Want to invest less money in a humidifier
Need to cover a large area
Tip #2: Avoid Long, Hot Showers.
It may be tempting to take a hot shower to warm up during the winter, especially after spending time outdoors. But hot showers are linked to an increase in winter skin conditions. When hot water comes in contact with your skin, the outermost layer of your skin becomes damaged. Essentially, the hot water is stripping your skin of natural moisturizers and healthy skin cells that protect fragile skin from the outside world. By blasting hot water on your skin, you make it even drier. Our specialists recommend using lukewarm water and limiting the time to a 10-minute shower during the winter months.
Tip #3: Moisturize Daily.
The most effective time to apply a moisturizer is when you get out of the shower while your skin is still moist. Our specialists recommend avoiding moisturizers with scents or alcohol, as both can cause further irritation. Help lock moisture into your skin, and apply a moisturizer several times a day.
Tip #4: Reduce Harsh Exfoliants.
Winter may be a difficult time for exfoliation because your skin may start to flake as it dries out, but on the other hand, exfoliants can also further dry out and irritate the skin. Our specialists recommend that despite suffering from dry, flaky skin, avoid scrubbing your face with harsh exfoliants. Alternatively, use natural exfoliant products that add moisture to the skin. Follow up by using your favorite cream or lotion!
Tip #5: Consume Healthy Fats.
The main goal for winter skin care is to maintain a healthy, functioning skin barrier that can hold on to all the moisture it can. One of the ways this is done is by maintaining a healthy skin barrier that relies on healthy fats.
Contrary to what some may say, your diet can play a significant role in your skin’s health. One of the best protection measures against dryness is your skin’s lipid layer. This requires healthy fats in your diet to moisturize your skin from the inside out. Key elements to include in your diet are essential fatty acids like omega-3s and omega-6s. These fatty acids are the building blocks of healthy cell membranes. Healthy fats also help produce the skin’s natural oil barrier, critical in keeping skin hydrated.
Foods Naturally High In Healthy Fats Include:
Avocado, Nuts, Seeds, Fish, and Coconut Oil
Tip #6: Apply Sunscreen Daily.
Whether you are hitting the slopes, playing in the snow, or walking through a parking lot to run errands, it is just as important to apply sunscreen in the winter as it is in the summer. The snow will reflect UV rays on brighter winter days, which can multiply your UV exposure. On cloudy days, according to the Skin Cancer Foundation, up to 80 percent of harmful UV rays can permeate clouds and cause damage. Our specialists recommend that before you go outside, apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher.
Bonus Tip: use sunscreen with water resistance and moisturizing ingredients for extra benefits!
Tip #7: Protect Yourself From The Wind.
Cold temperatures accompanied by wind abrasion can cause the skin to become further irritated. The cold, dry air irritates the skin on the body and causes redness, while the harsh elements also work to strip away natural oils from the top layer of skin. Our specialists recommend covering your face when walking outdoors and using a petroleum-based lip balm. Skin protectants that include petroleum and creams with ceramides are effective against wind irritation as well.
Tip #8: Take Vitamin D Supplements.
Often called “the sunshine vitamin”, vitamin D plays a vital role in our skin’s ability to repair and regenerate itself. During the summertime, our natural vitamin D production stabilizes as a result of daily sun exposure. But during the winter, our sun exposure decreases. To combat the drop in UV exposure, our specialists recommend replenishing your body with a vitamin D supplement. This can ensure that you continue to get the amount of vitamin D you need all year long, but will also increase your skin’s resilience to the harsh winter elements!
Tip #9: Stay Hydrated.
Our specialists have shared that winter skin conditions are usually caused due to lack of moisture, which is the result of low humidity levels, brisk winter winds, and dry indoor heat. But did you know that how much water you consume daily also affects the health of your skin? Many people underestimate the power of drinking water and the positive effects it can have on your skin and your overall health. Water hydrates the body, while also maintaining the skin’s elasticity. Hydration levels in the skin can be positively influenced with a boost of hydration in just a few days!
Proper Hydration Helps Your Skin
Tip #10: Use PediFix® Remedies.
Winter skin issues can be a cosmetic problem for some people, but when the cracks are deep, they can be painful to stand on and the skin can bleed. Our specialists at PediFix® offer a variety of skincare products that provide relief and protection against the cold winter elements. We offer several wearable products to give your skin that silky feeling, such as Moisturizing Gloves and Heel Sleeves. In addition, Foot Cream, Oils, and Nail Polishes, are perfect for relief from various skin and nail ailments like fungi and calluses. We also supply body care products, including Foot Files and Nail Cutters. Winter skin can look and feel dry and itchy, but with the right tips and products, you’ll be able to keep your skin healthy and hydrated!
Visit our website for more information on our products.
Convenient ordering and guaranteed satisfaction!
Find your favorite winter skin care products on our website:
PediFix® Cracks & Calluses Foot Repair Cream™
PediFix® Deep-Healing Foot Cream™
PediFix® Gel Ultimates® Moisturizing Booties
PediFix® Podiatrists’ Choice® Callus Control Cream™
PediFix® Visco-GEL® Heel-So-Smooth® Heel Sleeves
If you have questions about how our products can support you, please call 1-800- PEDIFIX (733-4349) to learn more. Our product specialists are ready to support your needs! Get your foot in the door to exclusive Pedifix savings on your next purchase! Enter your email on our website and you will receive 10% off an order of $35 or more. Plus, you will continue to receive future special deals, and discover new products!
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