Many
of my patients think that most sun damage to the skin occurs during the
summer, when days are long and sunny. I tell them very often, the opposite
is true. Protecting your skin is even more important in winter. Here’s
why:
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Fact:
You skin's natural barrier is compromised in the winter.
In winter the humidity level drops. And so does your skin’s natural
moisture level. The dry air leads to a weakening of the protective stratum
corneum layer of your skin. Dry skin is twice as likely to get sun damaged
(and sunburned) as hydrated skin, with fewer UV rays causing more skin
damage.
Chapped lips and cheeks are common symptoms of skin that is actually sunburned
and dried out by the wind. Don’t let the cold wind fool you – you
can still sunburn in the winter – though you might not feel it right away.
I advise all my patients to use sun protection daily, whether they are out on
the ski slopes or out about town.
Solution: UV Protection from BeautyFirst
Fact: Winter weather robs the air (and
your skin) of moisture.
Central heating in homes and offices may keep the chill out but it consumes
all the moisture from the air. This, combined with the drop in humidity outdoors,
leaves your skin vulnerable. My advice is to reinforce the skin’s natural
barrier with moisturizing products that contain Vitamin E, Shea Butter and Botanical
Extracts.
Solution: High quality moisturizers
Fact:
Winter weather may necessitate a change in your product regimen.
Cleansers are the foundation for great skin. But the cleanser that worked so
well in summer, may not work as well in winter due to the changes in temperature
and drop in humidity. Choosing a PH-Balanced cleanser is not enough. In winter,
I recommend milder cleansers that:
~ eliminate debris, dead skin cells, and pollutants
~ soothe, purify, and refine your skin
~ leave skin clean and moist (but never tight)
Make sure you rinse your face with tepid water – hot water will dry
out your skin. Also, consider limiting your use of alpha-hydroxy acid products
in winter. The primary role of these products is to exfoliate skin but they can
also strip the skin of its natural protective oils, leaving it red and irritated.
Solution: Choose a cleanser
that heals while it cleans.
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