Keep Your Skin Healthy This Winter With Our Favorite Skin Care Hacks

Winter in Minnesota is long, running from November to March. Although we get snowfall, along with some warmer days, most of the time, the winter air is dry and cold. And that cold, dry air is no friend to your skin, especially if you have a skin condition like atopic dermatitis or psoriasis.

At Associated Skin Care Specialists, our board-certified dermatologists understand the effects winter has on the skin. In this month’s blog, we want to share some of our favorite skin care hacks to help you keep your skin healthy this winter.

Pick a good moisturizer

The dry, cold winter air sucks the moisture out of your skin, making it flat, rough, and flaky. You need a good moisturizer that locks in the moisture to keep your skin soft and supple. But, instead of a light lotion, you need a heavier cream- or petroleum-based moisturizer in the winter. If you have sensitive skin, choose fragrance-free creams.

Apply the moisturizer to your skin when it’s still damp after washing.

Don’t over wash

Washing your face and body is important for removing dirt and germs, but it also removes your skin’s natural oils. When cleaning your skin, use a gentle, moisturizing cleanser and warm water. Avoid using hot water and harsh soaps that irritate the skin, causing what we call the “winter itch.”

We also recommend keeping your showers short and applying moisturizer right away, as mentioned above. 

Use sunscreen daily

Don’t forget to apply sunscreen to protect your skin from damaging ultraviolet (UV) rays. The days are shorter, but the sun is still harmful. Apply sunscreen to every inch of skin not covered by clothing. 

Pick a sunscreen that has broad-spectrum protection, is water resistant, and has a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30. You can also use moisturizing sunscreen. Or, apply your moisturizer first and then the sunscreen.

Don’t forget your lips. Use a moisturizing lip balm with sunscreen and apply regularly to prevent chapping. 

Winterize your skin-rejuvenating routine

Many anti-aging products, like retinol and glycolic acid, work by exfoliating your skin. These products may make your skin more susceptible to the dry, cold air. 

Winterize your skin rejuvenating routine by reducing the frequency of anti-aging treatments. Or, look for skin care products that have a lower concentration of the active ingredient. 

If these hacks fail to keep your skin smooth and hydrated, it’s time to schedule a dermatology appointment with one of our experts. We can examine your skin, talk to you about your skin care routine, and help you create a plan that keeps your skin healthy during the winter.

We offer dermatology care throughout the Twin Cities metropolitan area, and have offices in Blaine, Maple Grove, Coon Rapids, Eden Prairie, New Brighton, and Minneapolis, Minnesota. 

Our aestheticians can also help you overcome your winter skin challenges and provide services at our offices in Maple Grove, Eden Prairie, and Minneapolis. 

Call the office most convenient to you today to schedule a visit. We also have an office in Fridley, Minnesota where we do our dermatology research and lab work.