Cooler weather has charm – the warmth of layered clothing, the beauty of leaves changing, and the excitement of winter holidays. However, the descending temperatures can bring a common annoyance: dry, flaky skin. As we transition into the cooler months, we must arm ourselves with a skin care regimen tailored to combat the seasonal challenges. Here's your ultimate guide to dry skin care in cooler weather.
Understanding the Causes
Cold air, indoor heating, and low humidity can strip the skin of its natural moisture, leaving it dehydrated. Skin's natural barrier can become compromised, making it susceptible to environmental irritants. Hence, a proactive approach to skincare can save you from a lot of discomfort.
1. Oral Hempseed Oil
Hempseed oil is a rich source of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, pivotal for maintaining skin health. When taken orally, it can:
- Hydrate from Within: These fatty acids fortify our skin's lipid barrier, preventing moisture loss.
- Reduce Inflammation: This can be especially beneficial for conditions like eczema or psoriasis, which flare up in cold weather.
Recommendation: Look for cold-pressed, organic hemp seed oil. Begin with a teaspoon daily, which can be incorporated into your salads, smoothies, or just taken straight.
2. L-Histidine
L-histidine, an amino acid, has shown promise in improving skin barrier function. Its role:
- Boosts Natural Moisturizing Factor (NMF): NMF components naturally moisturize the skin, and L-histidine helps to increase its production.
Recommendation: Consult your healthcare provider before taking L-histidine supplements. Once approved, ensure you purchase from reputable brands to ensure purity and efficacy. Visit us at www.skinsage.com for a visit and detailed protocols for dry skin care.
3. For the Face and Body, Use Thicker Moisturizers and Oil-Based Cleansers
Switch from lightweight lotions to thicker creams or ointments as the weather turns cooler. Here's what to look for:
- High Lipid Content: Look for products with ceramides, cholesterol, and fatty acids.
- Hydrating Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and dimethicone can attract and seal in moisture.
- Natural Oils: Shea butter, coconut oil, and jojoba oil can provide extra protection.
Recommendation: Some top-rated products include CeraVe Moisturizing Cream, Eucerin Advanced Repair Cream, and Vanicream Moisturizing Ointment. Dr. Radha loves the following: Oil-based face and body cleansers such as La Roche Posay cleanser, http://go/cleanser. Raw virgin coconut oil is a winner as well, having a similar response to 1% hydrocortisone without the side effects: http://go/coconut.
- Don’t neglect Lips and Hands!
While our face often receives the lion’s share of attention during winter skincare routines, the lips and hands are equally, if not more, vulnerable to biting cold and harsh weather. Hands and lips are areas where we can’t always maintain hydration due to eating, drinking, lip licking, and hand washing.
Lips
- Lip balm with SPF: even in winter, the sun’s rays can be damaging. Look for lip balms with SPF.
- Natural Moisturizers: Balms with shea butter, coconut oil, or beeswax can offer a protective layer against elements. Burt’s Bees is a Skinsage favorite, http://go/burts.
- Lip Masks: Overnight lip masks like Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask, if you want to be fancy or plain old petrolatum or coconut oil, can hydrate and repair lips as you sleep.
- Avoid: Camphor, Menthol, Eucalyptus, and Lip licking!
Hands
- Intensive Hand Creams: Opt for products designed specifically for hands, like the Neutrogena Norwegian Formula Hand Cream or O’Keefe’s Working Hands Cream. Try to get travel sizes to throw in your bag and re-apply after handwashing during the day. http://go/neutrogena.
- Gloves: Wear gloves when outside to protect your hands from the cold. Apply a thick moisturizer and wear cotton gloves for an extra moisture boost for overnight repair.
- Barrier Creams: Many of these are prescriptions. If dry skin on the hands gives way to fissures, unremitting flaking, and itching, visit us online for immediate relief and prescription management at www.skinsage.com.
5. Humidifiers: A Dry Skin Savior
A humidifier can reintroduce much-needed moisture to your living space.
- Ultrasonic Humidifiers: These release cool mist and are typically quieter. Levoit is a top choice that Dr. Radha uses in her own home. http://go/levoit.
- Central Humidifiers: Built directly into a home's heating and air conditioning system, these are great for those who want to benefit the entire house.
- Evaporators: They blow moisture through a moistened filter. Honeywell's evaporative humidifiers are a reliable choice. http://go/honeywell.
Final Thoughts
Incorporating these recommendations into your daily routine can significantly alleviate dry skin woes during cooler weather. Remember, consistency is key. As the temperatures drop, make sure your skincare game rises to the occasion!
