Written by: Zobiana Dillsworth
Image Source: Perricone MD
The skin needs to be protected in all seasons, including winter. The change in temperature and the presence of dry air greatly affect the skin; many people have dry, itchy skin as a result of this.
To avoid the negative effects of winter on the skin, everyone needs to use the products best suited for them and their skin. It is recommended to use facial cleansers, facial moisturizers, body cleansers, and body moisturizers. Facial cleansers with alcohol in them may not be the
best choice due to the fact that alcohol is an astringent, leading to irritation and dry skin. If your skin is sensitive to alcohol, it is best to use gentle cleansers. However, if your skin is not susceptible to the drying nature of alcohol, there is no need to change your cleanser for the wintertime. It is recommended that your facial moisturizers have hyaluronic or lactic acid; hyaluronic acid is a hydrating ingredient, while lactic acid is an alpha-hydroxy acid, which helps to gently exfoliate dry skin. Facial moisturizers that come in creams, oils, or balms may help your skin retain moisture and hydration more than gels and lightweight lotions during winter months. For the body, it is best that cleansers come in liquid form, be fragrance-free, and contain shea butter, petrolatum, and/or silicones to avoid irritation and dryness. Look for body moisturizers in the form of creams or ointments. Ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, lanolin, mineral oil, petrolatum, and shea butter can help soothe and protect the skin against the effects of the damaging effects of winter. To help improve skin hydration and prevent trans-epidermal water loss (essentially the drying of skin over time due to the loss of water), moisturizers should be applied when the skin is damp. Lastly, it is imperative that you wear sunscreen every day, even in the wintertime. No matter the temperature outside, UV radiation can harm your skin (1).
Along with the skin, the lips are also affected by the winter season. The lips can become dry and chapped due to the dryness and frostiness of winter air. Unfortunately, there is no fool-proof way to treat chapped lips. However, topical lip products can help soothe the irritation and dryness of chapped lips. To achieve optimal moisturization, lip products (like lipstick and lip balm) should consist of castor seed oil, ceramides, dimethicones, and/or mineral oil. However, remember that, according to dermatologists, one of the best products to use on chapped lips is petroleum jelly. Vaseline and Aquaphor, two commonly found petroleum jelly products, can help soothe and protect the skin. Lip products should be applied regularly throughout the day, including right before bed, to ensure protection. Additionally, sun-protective lip balm should be used as well; the lip balm should have an SPF of 30+. Beyond lip care, drinking water and using a humidifier can help keep the lips moist. Try to avoid licking and picking at the lips, as these behaviors can worsen the effects of chapped lips (2).
The change in season affects everyone, but there are ways to reduce its effects. It is important to keep the skin and lips hydrated, and there are many products to do just that. Beyond these tips, you must consult and listen to the advice and recommendations of a licensed professional regarding your skin and health.
References:
“Your winter skin survival kit.” American Academy of Dermatology, 27 May 2021, https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-basics/care/winter-skin-survival-kit.
“How to prevent and treat dry, chapped lips.” American Academy of Dermatology, 26 January 2021, https://www.aad.org/news/how-to-prevent-and-treat-dry-chapped-lips.
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