Even though we experience milder winters than other parts of the country, the cold, low-humidity, wind and rain in Southern California can still wreak havoc on our skin. To avoid this, it’s important that we pay close attention to our daily habits and skincare regimens, and nurture areas that are more sensitive and directly exposed to the elements.
So, what habits can cause dry skin during the winter months?
Taking hot showers: While they may be soothing and relaxing, long, hot showers and baths are terrible for our skin. They rid our skin of its natural protective oils and leave it feeling dry, tight and itchy. Likewise, over- scrubbing can also strip the skin of its natural moisture. The best thing to do is to take a single, short lukewarm shower each day.
Using too much soap: Squeaky clean is too clean; it means we removed our natural oils. Soap should be used sparingly and applied only to the areas where we have odor glands: feet, armpits and groin. I recommend a bar soap over liquid cleanser, as they have fewer ingredients, including preservatives and fragrances that can irritate already dry skin.
Raising the thermostat: Yes, it’s cold outside, but keeping our homes and cars too hot produces dry indoor air. This not only dries out the skin, but it also dries out our mucous membranes, which can lead to chapped lips, nosebleeds, and dry throats. To avoid this, set the thermostat to the lowest setting that’s comfortable.
What should our winter skincare regimens include?
The number one thing you can do to keep your skin supple is to moisturize within three minutes of bathing or showering. After bathing, pat yourself dry, and while the skin is still moist, apply an emollient. Emollients are non-cosmetic moisturizers which come in the form of creams, ointments, lotions and gels. I recommend using an ointment or cream. Ointments have the highest oil content and lotions have the least. For best results, select a thick emollient that you have to scoop out of a jar or squeeze out of a tube. Also, don’t forget sunblock—even when it’s cloudy and cold. Sunblock should be part of your daily routine year-round.
What parts of our bodies need a little extra attention during the winter months and how can we care for them?
The number one area at risk is our hands; our hands are getting washed many times per day – and while the skin on our hands is thicker, they also come into contact with cleaning products and other substances that irritate our skin. Try to wash your hands only when necessary and completely avoid alcohol based hand sanitizer if you can help it. Even better, moisturize your hands after you wash them.
Our lips and heels are two other body parts that require a little extra attention during the winter months. To protect the lips, avoid licking them and consider using plain petrolatum – petroleum jelly – as lip balm. Avoid lip products with scents or beeswax. To protect the heels, try putting a thick cream or greasy ointment on them – petroleum jelly works fine here too – slip on a pair of socks and head to bed.
If dryness becomes extreme or you have a dry skin condition and it worsens, talk to your doctor about the best course of treatment.
Marit Kreidel, MD, FAAD, board-certified dermatologist/chief of service for the Kaiser Permanente OC Dept of Dermatology. She’s also a volunteer faculty member with UC Irvine’s, Department of Dermatology. Born and raised in OC, Kreidel is very passionate about skin cancer treatment and prevention.
Spa Gregorie’s Superfruit Facial
This revitalizing treatment features the latest breakthroughs in anti-aging including: Microderm exfoliation cream, Botanical Peptides, firming Lip Treatment Cream, collagen stimulating Eye Treatment Cream, an Antioxidant mask of Acai, Gogi Berry, Noni, and Pomegranate, Instant line filler and a finish of tinted moisturizer with sunscreen.
$139, 75mins www.spagregories.com
FOREO: LUNA 2
This enhanced T-Sonic facial cleansing brush features 8,000 T-sonic (transdermal sonic) pulsations per minute to remove dead skin cells and unclog pores of makeup residue, dirt and oil while improving the absorption of your favorite skincare products.
Each charge allows for 450 uses, with 12 customizable intensities depending on skin type: combination skin, normal skin, oily skin or sensitive.
$199, www.foreo.com
Rowenta Aqua Perfect Humidifier
The best way to keep skin soft and supple is to keep hydrated inside and outduring the dry winter months. Add a little help with this sophisticated tech’d up humidifier that allows you to control mist temp and percentage of humidity in the air. Equipped with a user-friendly touch panel with digital humidity and temperature levels display.
$160, www.Rowentausa.com
S’Well Bottles
These hydrating heroes are as stylish as they come, and conveniently narrow to fit in the car, side pocket of your bag and in bike rack slots. We love the 25oz size for plenty of water to see you through your workout or your work day. Too pretty to share with the kids, pop for the brush and stand to keep your sipper safe.
$35, www.swellbottle.com
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