Winter Skincare Tips

Dr. Funk’s tips for keeping your skin smooth, soft, and glowing during the colder months.

It’s no secret that Winter wreaks havoc on our skin. Cold temperatures make our skin dry, cracked, and irritated. It’s a vicious cycle – frigid outdoor conditions strip our skin raw and stale, dry heat inside eliminates moisture. We can’t change the weather but we can change our skincare routines! Here are some tips on how to protect your skin during the harsh winter months.

Keep Moisture in the Air

There are two things you can do to restore moisture to dry winter air: lower the thermostat and invest in a humidifier. A humidifier should become your best friend during the Winter, especially if you crank the heat in your home. Heating systems suck moisture from the air, a humidifier works to return moisture to the air and protects your skin from drying out. Install a humidifier in rooms where you spend the most time, particularly your bedroom or office.

Lowering the thermostat might seem counterproductive in the Winter but it can save your skin! The higher the heat, the drier the air. Consider turning down the heat to increase the air’s moisture level.

Use Gentle Products

Ditch your warm-weather skincare routine and opt for products that are more gentle. Moisturize often, especially when your skin is transitioning into a new environment, like coming into a warm room after being outside in the cold, or drying after showering.

When searching for moisturizers for your cold-weather skincare regimen, look for products containing ceramides or glycerin. Both of these fortify the skin’s natural moisture barrier, making your skin less likely to become dry in the future. If your skin is extremely dry, upgrade your traditional lotion for thicker moisturizers or essential oils.

Make sure you’re taking extra care at night, too. Moisturize your hands and feet, elbows and knees, as well as your face and lips. These areas are naturally drier, so they need a little extra TLC.

Lower the Water Temperature

We all love a hot shower, especially when the temperatures outside are glacial. However, hot water causes cracks in the surface of your skin, leading to redness and irritation. Hot water evaporates faster, meaning that it actually dehydrates your skin.

Instead of taking a hot shower or bath, we suggest lowering the temperature to lukewarm. If you absolutely must keep the water hot, keep the bathroom door closed until after you’ve dried and moisturized.

Don’t Over-Exfoliate

Make sure you don’t over-exfoliate during the winter, especially if you have naturally dry skin. If you have normal or oily skin, lower the number of times per week you exfoliate. For example, if you exfoliate every day, try slowly decreasing until you only exfoliate once a week.

Additionally, if you’re prone to breakouts, treat the areas by washing with a warm, damp microfiber washcloth. This is a more gentle alternative to traditional exfoliants and your skin will thank you for the switch!

Hydrate from the Inside, Out

We can’t stress enough the importance of hydrating during the Winter and it starts on the inside. During the Winter, we naturally tend to drink less water, choosing hot drinks like tea and cocoa instead of good old fashioned H2O. Monitor your daily intake of water and supplement with an additional glass or two for an extra boost of hydration. When you drink enough water, your skin will be clearer, brighter, and healthier.

In addition to drinking plenty of water, incorporate water-based foods like celery, tomatoes, and carrots. If you take supplements, try vitamin C and zinc to support the production of collagen. This will help your skin look smooth and supple.