Are you someone who neglects your skin all winter and then rushes to undo the damage come summer? More specifically, are you using the same skincare routine throughout the year and wondering why you have to work so hard to maintain healthy, glowing skin?

Even when you’re a snow bunny who enjoys the activities around Denver in every season, there’s a good chance that you’re overlooking the different skincare requirements as you transition from summer to winter.

We get it.

Consistency is key, and you’ve probably worked hard to develop a routine you can stick with. Besides, why should you mess with something if it works?

However, you might notice that your skin becomes drier during cold weather. You might even develop other skin issues that you don’t have to deal with when the weather is warmer.

There are several possible reasons for that.

5 Factors That Indicate Extra Care During Colder Months

There are several factors that we may overlook when it comes to winter skin care because we tend to stay bundled up in warm weather clothes and hit the slopes rather than the beaches. However, there are several winter-specific factors that you may overlook when it comes to cold weather skincare.

  • Cold, dry air: In many parts of the world, winter brings cold dry air that can strip your skin of its natural moisture this can leave it feeling dry, tight, and uncomfortable.
  • Indoor heating: Staying warm in the winter often means turning up the heat indoors. However, this can also dry out the air, leading to further moisture loss in your skin.
  • Hot showers. Hot showers may feel great on a cold winter day, especially after coming in after outdoor activities. But, they can also be very drying to your skin. Hot water strips away your skin’s natural oils, leaving it dry, itchy, and irritated.
  • Changes in diet: Winter months, especially around the holidays, mean comfort food. During the winter months, many people tend to eat heavier, richer foods that can cause breakouts or other skin issues.
  • Sun exposure: While it may not be as hot in the winter, the sun’s rays can still cause damage to your skin. This is especially true if you’re participating in winter sports like skiing or snowboarding. During these activities, harmful UV rays can reflect off the snow and cause even more damage to your skin.

Your transition to glowing summer skin shouldn’t mean undoing the damage of winter neglect in order to address these issues. That’s why it’s important to adjust to cold weather skincare routine.

By following the steps below, you can help keep your skin healthy and comfortable all winter long.

7 Winter Skincare Tips to Live By

Keep Your Skin Hydrated

During the winter months, it is important to keep your skin hydrated as the cold weather can strip your skin of its natural oils. Use a rich, nourishing moisturizer, and consider getting a humidifier to add moisture to the air in your home.

Protect Your Skin From the Cold

When you go outside, make sure to protect your skin from the cold by covering up as much as possible and wearing a scarf, gloves, and a hat. This will help to prevent your skin from becoming dry and irritated in cold, windy air.

Exfoliate Regularly

Regular exfoliation can help to remove dead skin cells and promote cell renewal, which is especially important during the winter months when skin can become dry and dull. However, be gentle and avoid over-exfoliating, as this can irritate the skin.

Use a Gentle Cleanser

Avoid using harsh soaps and cleansers during the winter, as these can strip your skin of its natural oils and leave it feeling dry and tight. Instead, use a gentle, non-drying cleanser that will help to keep your skin hydrated.

Avoid Hot Showers

While a hot shower may feel good on a cold winter day, it can actually strip your skin of its natural oils, leaving it feeling dry and tight. Try to keep your showers lukewarm and use a moisturizing body wash. Gently blot your skin dry with a soft towel and moisturize your skin while it’s still damp.

Keep Your Skin Nourished

Make sure to include foods in your diet that are rich in vitamins and minerals that are essential for healthy skin, such as vitamin C, vitamin E, and omega-3 fatty acids.

Limit Exposure to the Sun

Just because it’s winter, don’t forget to protect your skin from the sun. UV rays can still cause damage to your skin, so be sure to wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30.

Remember, everyone is different. That means your skin may have different needs or respond differently to adverse conditions.

There’s one great way to nourish your skin into optimal condition and keep it that way at any time of year: get advice and skincare solutions from a professional.

Medical Spas give you the best of both worlds when it comes to beauty and skincare. They offer a comfortable, spa-like setting to provide medical-grade products and treatments.

Best of all, their skin care solutions are usually personalized to address the specific requirements, concerns, and goals of guests of any age or skin type.

Year-Round Skincare Begins at Vesper Gray

You don’t need to suffer through the winter blahs, and neither does your skin. Now that you know the basics, let a licensed skincare expert from Vesper Gray set you up with a customized routine that will keep you looking great all year round.

It’s never too late, so book an appointment today!