During the winter, it’s hard to protect your skin from damage. We get it.
However, there are things you can do to help your skin. We all know about the importance of eating right and getting enough sleep, but there are so many other things you can do to promote the health of your skin.
Read on to learn some tips on how to keep your skin healthy during these last few cold months and even into the warmer months ahead.
8 TIPS FOR HEALTHY SKIN
DRINK UP
There is a difference between dry and dehydrated skin.
- Dry Skin: Dry skin lacks lack the natural sebum oil that conditions our skin. Your skin will feel uncomfortable, dry in texture. Dry skin is more susceptible to premature aging. To combat dry skin, you need to constantly use moisturizer and hydrating products such as Glycolic Cream and Ultra Lite Cream.
- Dehydrated Skin: Dehydrated skin is lacking water and is a common cause of dry skin. Not drinking enough water can take an intense toll on your skin. When you are dehydrated, your skin can look flaky, dull and loose. Your skin will feel oily and dry at the same time, and you may experience breakouts. Dehydrated skin can also be caused by your diet, product usage, makeup and even weather. To combat dehydrated skin, drink up! You should also use rich products, such as Correction Fluid® and Hyaluronic Acid Serum.
EAT A RAINBOW & STAY AWAY FROM SUGAR
Did you know that inflammation is the leading cause of wrinkles? To combat inflammation, you should be incorporating antioxidants into your diet.
The best sources of antioxidants are:
- Blueberries
- Pomegranates
- Dark chocolate (yummy!)
- Cranberries
- Pecans
- Walnuts
- Broccoli
- Blackberries
- Artichoke (boiled)
- Cilantro
- Carrots
- Sweet potatoes
- Grapes
- Red wine
Avoid sugar-rich foods, as sugar can cause damage to collagen and elastin resulting in wrinkles.
GET THE BLOOD FLOWING
Having a routine exercise program can get oxygen circulating, releasing the toxins through your sweat. This can give your skin a clearer and firmer feel.
Great exercises that you can do include:
- Walking
- Yoga
- Running
- Swimming
- Hiking
- Dancing
DREAM
If you don’t get enough sleep, you may experience decreased circulation. This causes the skin to appear pale and washed out. Your body does a lot of things while you are asleep, including regenerating and repairing your skin.
Make sure to get at least eight hours of quality sleep.
Can’t seem to fall asleep after your exercise program? You can try a few different meditation techniques such as abdominal breathing and counting down.
- Abdominal Breathing: While lying in a comfortable position in bed, put your hands on your tummy and focus your attention on how you’re breathing. Bringing your attention to the movement on your breathing can take your mind off of the day. Try imagining a calm scene, such as sitting in a field of grass or by the ocean.
- Counting Down: While lying in a comfortable position, gaze up at your ceiling and start taking breaths. Hold the breath and then slowly release, allowing your body to relax. Imagine you are walking, and start counting down from a number between 10 and 20.
DON’T BURN
Too much sun can create damaged skin. Don’t forget to wear sunglasses and to put on sunscreen.
Did you know that the rate of skin cancer in West Virginia is actually higher than southern states like New Mexico, Texas and Louisiana? This is because many people fail to use sunscreen or sunblock through the winter months.
Read our blog about sunscreen vs sunblock and learn why you should be using it throughout the winter.
CLEAN YOUR BRUSHES
How many of you forget to wash makeup brushes? It is imperative to the health of your skin that you regularly wash those makeup brushes. Dirt and bacteria build up can cause breakouts.
- Loose powder brushes: Wash two to three times a week
- Foundation brushes: Wash once a week
To wash your brushes, mix a few drops of facial cleanser/shampoo with lukewarm water in a cup, circle your brushes around, then rinse and let air dry.
LIVE FOR YOU
It’s always a good idea to take some time out for yourself. Stress and worry can cause breakouts.
If you feel stressed or worried, try some breathing exercises, or take a walk around the block.
Find some time every day to do one thing that you enjoy, just for yourself.
TAKE CARE OF YOUR LIPS
Your lips are an extension of your skin. Because your lips are even more exposed, they’re likely to be dehydrated during the winter months.
Steps you can take to help your lips along during these colder months are:
- Drop the lip licking habit. Your lips can dry out from you licking your lips. This damages the protective barrier your lips naturally have. Apply lip balm instead.
- How’s the humidity? If your house feels dry, plug in a humidifier to keep your lips and skin hydrated.
- Protect those lips. Your skin isn’t the only thing that needs an SPF protection.
Get back on track to healthy skin & lips | DERMATOLOGY CENTER FOR SKIN HEALTH, PLLC
At the Dermatology Center for Skin Health, PLLC, our goal is to help our patients develop lifelong habits during their skin care journey that help keep their skin feeling healthy and fresh.
If you would like to schedule an appointment today, click below.
