Winter can wreak havoc on the face, leaving it prone to dryness and irritation that can, in turn, lead to the development of numerous painful and undesirable conditions. This is why it is so important for people to pay special attention to their facial care routine, particularly during the colder months of the year. Adverse weather conditions will not only irritate the face but also leave it vulnerable to drying due to the cold temperatures.
The more extreme climate, the more precautions that people need to take to keep their delicate faces well moisturized, because they are not only particularly vulnerable to elements but also tend to be more susceptible than other areas of the body to irritation and the conditions that come with this.
The worst part is that because people need their mouths and noses to be at least partially exposed to breathe and their eyes unobstructed to see, it can be a lot more difficult to protect the vulnerable face from the elements compared to other parts of the body. In addition, the electrically and gas heated indoor environments that people use to shield themselves from the colder outdoor weather can be equally disruptive to the face, causing the skin to dry out and become even more irritated. Even typically relaxing activities like taking a nice hot shower or curling up to a cozy fireplace will contribute to pulling out all those natural oils that the face needs to stay healthy, so the only thing to be done is to take proactive measures to protect the face from harm.
The good news is that while there are few ways to avoid the unpleasant conditions that often come with winter weather, short of leaving town, that is, there are a lot of things that people can do to proactively protect their faces. That said, anybody who notices they are being affected by chronic irritation during the colder months of the year will definitely want to be sure to talk to a qualified dermatologist in Palo Alto to explore what types of procedures might be available to them. After all, skin treatment in Walnut Creek or the surrounding area can help keep the face looking young and healthy even when the weather isn’t cooperating.
So what can people do to modify their winter facial care routine to ensure they don’t require frequent trips to a skin doctor in Roseville during the colder winter months? Read on to find out.
1. Purchase a Humidifier
One of the best ways to counteract the not-so-great effects on the face that can be caused by a dry, artificially heated indoor environment is to purchase a humidifier that will help retain a reasonable amount of moisture in the air to keep the face soft and supple.
People should shoot to at least have a humidifier in the rooms that they use most frequently or spend the most time in, like the bedroom and living area. That said, there really isn’t such a thing as having too many humidifiers during the colder months of winter, and it can be a good idea to consider purchasing one for the office or workplace as well, or at least ask the boss to shell out for one so that everybody can benefit from healthier air quality.
2. Avoid Cranking the Heat
Sure, the contrast of coming in from the cold into a superheated home can feel really good, but it is actually not so great for the face. Rather than cranking the heat or periodically turning it up or down, people should keep their thermostat at a sufficiently warm and comfortable, yet even temperature setting. Generally, a temperature between 68 to 72 degrees Fahrenheit should be more than sufficient and will help homeowners save money on their energy costs as well.
If a person is feeling cold or chilled, they might want to consider grabbing a blanket, a warm sweater, a heating pad, or a fuzzy pair of slippers rather than reaching automatically to adjust the temperature setting. Their face will thank them for it in the end.
3. Avoid Taking Long, Hot Showers
Stepping into a hot shower, especially right after coming in from the cold, can feel really good. That said, all that heat is not so great for the face. This is why it is important to avoid cranking the temperature to skin searing heat levels and try to limit shower time to five to ten minutes maximum during winter.
It may feel great to stay in the shower or bath until a person’s fingertips are wrinkled like raisins, but it may also result in the need for a visit to the dermatologist in the San Francisco area later down the line. It may seem like a sacrifice to cut that shower off in a reasonable time frame, but it’s all about forsaking a bit of short-term comfort in favor of a healthier and younger-looking face in the long term.
4. Use Gentle Cleansing Products
It is always a good idea to pay special attention to the products that one puts on their face, but during the winter, it is especially important to opt for gentle, fragrance-free products as recommended by a dermatologist in Palo Alto. Keep in mind that many products that are marketed as unscented still contain drying fragrances, so fragrance-free is the term to seek out instead. Looking for products that are designed to be particularly gentle or formulated for sensitive skin can be a good place to start.
Many commercial cleaners contain harsh additives that can further irritate the face. Look instead for soothing ingredients like natural oils and aloe that will help counteract the drying effect that standard cleansers tend to have on the facial area. Cream-based cleansers are usually the best pick during the colder months of the year.
5. Moisturize Often
The first thing that people need to keep in mind is that during the winter they should be moisturizing their faces much more frequently than they do in the summer. Keep a portable facial moisturizer in a handbag or purse to always have on hand and apply liberally after spending any period of time outdoors in the cold and well as when sitting inside in artificially heated environments.
Second, it is a good idea to stock up on richer, heavier moisturizers, especially for use during bedtime. Look for products rich in the oils that the face craves like jojoba oil, argan oil, almond oil, or coconut oil. Some people even like to apply these oils directly to their face, but they should also be wary that this can cause acne, especially in those with oily or combination skin types.
Keep in mind that just because it is winter, there is no reason people should be skimping on the SPF. Just because the sun isn’t as warm doesn’t mean that it isn’t shining, and it is easy to cause skin damage by exposure even on a cold day. Look for a gentle, fragrance-free moisturizing product that contains an SPF value of at least 15 and apply it often throughout the course of the day.
Disclaimer: We are unable to guarantee any result, even though most of our patients do see success. The results of our services will vary greatly to each patient’s level of commitment and compliance with the program.