Simple Ways You can Protect Your Skin During the Cold Winter Weather
Everyone looks forward to winter due to the fantastic holidays that grace the season. However, it also comes with the cold weather that wreaks havoc on your skin. The cold weather plus the low humidity levels leave your skin dry, flaky, and chapped.
The cold temperatures may also make skin conditions such as psoriasis or eczema to flare up. The approach many people take is abandoning the cold regions and traveling to countries with warm weather. However, the solution is partial, and it does not solve the underlying problem.
Luckily there are specific steps you can take to protect your skin from the harsh weather of winter. Read on to learn what you should do.
Avoid Long Hot Showers
After spending too much time outdoors during winter, your most immediate thoughts may be to jump in the shower and run hot water over your body until the cold dissipates. However, it turns out that it may not be favorable for your skin.
According to Mayo clinic, hot baths and showers may cause you to develop dry skin since it strips your skin all the necessary oils. Instead, use lukewarm water.
Moreover, you should also avoid spending too much time in the shower. You should spend only 10 minutes or less, as recommended by the American Academy of Dermatology.
After taking a shower, remember to pat your skin dry.
Remember to Moisturize your Skin
It is highly effective when you use a moisturizer immediately after taking a shower when your skin is still damp. Instead of using lotions, go for thicker ointments and creams. Not only do they trap moisture, but they are also less irritating on the skin. Besides daily moisturizers, you must be sure to cleanse your skin with products that only have natural ingredients that your skin will benefit. Such products may be soap bars, special cleansers, foams, etc. However, as mentioned, you should definitely look into the ones that are naturally derived. A great natural source that your skin can benefit off is goat milk and using goat milk soaps will protect your skin by giving nourishment and healthy appearance.
Use A Sunscreen
Sunscreens are not only for use during the summer when the sun is shining brightly outside. Your skin also needs it when you plan to participate in outdoor winter activities such as snowboarding and skiing.
Sunlight, no matter how small it may be, produces UV radiation that is harmful to your skin.
During winter, snow can reflect up to 80 percent of the UV light. Radiation from the sun and the snow's reflection doubles the exposure that increases skin damage risk. You should, therefore, apply a sunscreen of SPF 15 and above 30 minutes before going outside.
Dress Accordingly
The most effective way to protect your skin is by dressing accordingly. Wear more clothes to keep yourself warm as the temperature continues to drop. Ensure that your skin is bundled up from the head to your feet.
Wear warm waterproof gloves if you live in a snowy area. Remember to cover sensitive areas such as your ears to protect them from the wind and cold. Pay more attention to the inner clothes during winter.
For example, you can wear thermal underwear to trap your body heat and prevent cold air from reaching the skin. According to Undywear, you need to consider the quality, price, and brand before you can choose the right thermal underwear to wear.
Summing up
Apart from the above methods, there are plenty of other ways to protect your skin from the cold temperature. During winter, the sensitivity of your skin increases. Therefore, wear comfortable clothes and use products on your skin.
You can use essential oils to counteract some of the skin problems that arise during winter, such as dryness, flaky skin, damage from UV rays, and flare-ups. If your skin does not respond to the above measures, you can consult a dermatologist to analyze your skin and recommend a skincare regimen.
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