Winter weather and climatic changes can suck the moisture out of our skin, exacerbating already existing skin conditions. They can leave the skin feeling dull, dry, and flaky. Dry hands, chapped lips, and red cheeks usually accompany these unsavory skin conditions. When we think of great skin, the word cold rarely, if ever, comes to mind.
While typically summer can be the worst time of year for those who struggle with rosacea, winter months bring about their own challenges. For those who struggle with eczema or acne, colder temperatures can really be problematic.
Acne is caused by blocked hair follicles and as a result, bacterial infections appear as small pimples. The oil that protects the skin is reduced in the winter which allows bacteria to enter the skin easily and this results in breakouts. Other conditions like eczema and rosacea are affiliated with dry and flaky skin and often flare up as a result of colder temperatures.
So we know what triggers these less than desirable skin conditions which bids the question what can we do to prevent these flare ups? While it isn’t always possible to flee the colder temperatures, we can learn to manage our skin and reduce exposure to irritants when the colder temps are upon us.
Make sure to:
- Turn the heat to the lowest setting when indoors and bundle up to compensate for the colder temperatures. That blanket that you love so much…grab it!
- Limit exposure to air conditioned or heated rooms or cars. Avoid spending too much time around a fireplace. It may feel great but the heat dries the skin out quickly.
- Eat foods that are high in Omega 3 and 6 oils. These have been found to reduce inflammation.
- Drink plenty of water. Most moisture is lost through dry skin so always remember to hydrate!
- Avoid hot bath and showers. Yes, we know….but they feel SO good! Try taking a warm bath or shower instead. Your skin will thank you.
While we may not look forward to frigid temperatures and the slew of skin conditions that are affiliated with them, did you know that there are actually some perks to colder weather?
The colder temperatures:
- Clear the pores. Cooler weather acts as an astringent, reducing clogs and making pores less visible.
- Allow us to sleep better. Getting a good nights sleep does wonders for the skin. It reduces circles under the eyes and helps maintain a glowing complexion. Studies have proven that a slightly cool room contributes significantly to a full nights rest and getting a full night’s sleep is crucial to for skin health.
- Actually rejuvenate the face. Has anyone ever told you to splash cold water on your face or take a cold shower? While it may not sound appealing (especially in the winter), cold water actually tightens the pores, which prevents them from getting clogged. Cold weather works the same way as cold water does.
- Puts color in the cheeks. Cold temperatures actually train the blood vessels to be responsive, causing natural redness in the cheeks. As a result, we get a natural rosy cheeked look.
- Give us cleaner air. Crisp, cold air purifies bad air quality and ozone layers which cause skin damage. Cold weather allows us to say goodbye to bad air and hello to healthy skin.
- Reduce puffiness. Cold weather promotes blood circulation and a result reduces puffiness and swelling to the face and under the eyes.
- Helps burn fat. In 2012, researches discovered that cold weather appears to trigger calorie burn. That is reason enough to embrace the cold!
There a quite a number of non-surgical treatments available that can repair weather damaged skin. Here are just a few:
- IPL and laser treatments can treat benign skin conditions such as rosacea and chronic erythema. The IPL process works by contracting blood vessels by making them less visible. At them same time, it boosts the production of healthier skin. Laser treatments can help produce a noticeable difference to skin tone and texture, giving an overall youthful and radiant look.
- Microneedling is a technique that stimulates skin so that it regenerates and repairs itself naturally. The process artificially stimulates collagen by tricking the body into thinking it needs to repair the small puncture wounds that are delivered from the procedure. The result? A firmer, brighter not to mention tighter appearance.
While procedures and skin rejuvenation treatments are crucial, the products we apply before, during, and after these procedures are incredibly important. While a good skincare regimen is always important, it is imperative during the winter months and with colder temperatures.
Cosmeceutical products that contain higher concentrations of ingredients that help to maintain and nourish dry skin are a MUST in the months when our skin is the driest. Vitamin C and Vitamin A improve the quality of the skin and go hand in hand with clinical treatments. Whatever the product, if it’s not penetrating the skin deeply, it isn’t doing its job.
In conclusion, winter is clearly a difficult time for any type of skin but especially for those with existing skin conditions. At dermani MEDSPA®, we want our clients to make the most out of the winter season and feel good about their skin at the same time. We are confident that by combining non-surgical treatments with practical everyday tips, this is an easy thing to do. We are here to answer any and all questions you may have and help you accomplish all of your skin care goals. Call today at 770-212-2242 to schedule your free consultation or go online to dermanimedspa.com!