Tips for Your Healthiest Skin This Winter

As our days just begin to get longer once again, we may already be looking forward to summer. First, we’ve got to get through a few more months of colder weather. Colder air means dryer air, though, so it is imperative that we discuss how to properly care for the skin. The wintertime changes in the environment can do a number on our skin if we’re not paying close attention. Here, we discuss two important things you should know as you set out to address your wintertime skin care needs.

More isn’t always better months ago, you may have started seeing reminders and social media posts warning about the effects of dry winter air. It’s easy to be overwhelmed by all the talk about switching up our skincare routine. We’re told that, if we don’t change out our lightweight lotions that we may have cracked, irritated knuckles in our future. If we don’t use the right lip balm, our lips will chap and crack, ouch! The influx of tips sends some people into overhaul mode and they change out every single one of their products. The thing is, such a major transition in products can be overwhelming for the skin. Dermatologists agree that it may be better to change out one or two items at a time and see how the skin responds.

A good way to choose which products to start with is to pay attention to how your skin feels. If, a few hours after applying lotion to your hands or another area of the body, your skin looks and feels dry, get an emollient cream. Applying a thicker lotion to the body after showering is a great way to lock in moisture, provided that your shower wasn’t too hot.

Team Up with Your Dermatologist

Wintertime is a great time to check in with a board-certified dermatologist for a thorough examination of your skin. This visit should include a comprehensive skin cancer screening and discussion about SPF and the right sunscreen for your skin type and lifestyle habits. Your dermatologist can also help you manage skin conditions that may flare up in cold weather, such as eczema or psoriasis. Finally, this is a great time of year to schedule microdermabrasion, a chemical peel, or a laser treatment to slough off the blanket of dead and damaged cells that has formed on the skin.

We’re here to help you love your skin. Contact us at 201.836.9696 to schedule your visit to our Teaneck, NJ office.