As the seasons change and we move into the colder months, many people will experience more than just nice rosy cheeks. These cold months can also bring dryness, flaking, irritation, cracking, and even eczema to the skin. Moving between the cold and windy outdoors to the warm and inviting indoors can immediately cause your skin to dry out. With the aggressive temperature changes, it’s no wonder your skin is having a hard time.

Use these five simple steps to heal, prevent and protect against winter skin damage.

1. Moisturize, moisturize, moisturize!

Moisturizers that work great during the spring and summer months may not work as well during the harsh winter months. Switch to a heavier moisturizer and make sure you’re using products containing hyaluronic acid and AHAs, as these ingredients will help attract and bind water to the skin. Be on the lookout for moisturizers that are heavy, but non-comedogenic (won’t clog your pores). An oil-based moisturizer is another good option because it will not only hydrate your skin but also give it an extra layer that works like a protective barrier against the elements. The best moisturizer for combination skin is Vitamin C Cream from GlyMed Plus. If you have dry skin, layer Barrier Repair Cream to seal in the optimum moisture.

2. Drink more water

Seems simple enough, right? Drinking lots of water should be a habit that we practice every day but especially in the winter months. The skin is our largest organ and, just like other parts of the body, is made up of different cells. These cells are partly made up of water! Without proper hydration, our body won’t function properly and supply the skin with the essential tools it needs to stay strong and healthy. Staying hydrated also affects the overall health of your skin, ensuring that it stays youthful and radiant.

3. Help out your hands

The skin on your hands is much thinner than the skin on the rest of your body; and it contains fewer oil glands. Many people experience extreme drying and cracking on their hands during the winter months. Make sure you are using a heavy cream at night, and it isn’t a bad idea to slip on some hydrating gloves to sleep in as well. Carry a moisturizing cream with you during the day and make sure to reapply that lotion whenever you feel like you need it, and always after washing your hands. Hydrating Hand & Body Lotion contains the perfect amount of moisture without leaving your hands feeling greasy. When you go outside, wear dry gloves to protect that thinner skin from the wind and the cold. Putting damp gloves on already dry, irritated skin will exacerbate the issue.

4. Don’t go unprotected

Sunscreen isn’t just for summertime. Make sure that you’re slathering on your SPF at least 20 minutes before you go outside. People don’t realize what damage the sun can do even if you can’t see it. UVA rays still penetrate through on cloudy days, and these are the scariest rays! Think about the “A” in “UVA” as standing for “aging.” These are the rays that penetrate the deepest into your skin and cause the signs of aging such as lines, wrinkles, sagging, and loss of collagen and elastin. Even though you can’t see them doesn’t mean they aren’t doing some serious damage. The sun can also reflect off of the snow up to 80%! Make sure to apply GlyMed’s Hydrating Protection Gel with SPF 30 before you step out for the day.

5. Book a facial

Now is the perfect time to go and visit your aesthetician. They will be able to do a full analysis of your skin and provide you with wonderful, hydrating treatments and fantastic home care products to help battle and repair your winter skin. Seek out a professional who uses a pharmaceutical-grade skincare line, as that will guarantee you are getting the highest grade, best quality, and most effective products. This time of year is also the perfect time to get started on a chemical peel series since the sun isn’t as strong as during the summertime. Chemical peels are great for removing that dull, built-up layer of dead skin cells, as well as hydrating and evening out your skin tone. Chemical peels will also create micro-channels in your skin which will aid in making your home care products more effective as they will penetrate deeper into the skin. Always make sure that you’re protecting your skin after a chemical peel.

Winter skin is one of the biggest beauty issues we face, but there are so many ways to fix it! By following these five simple steps you will see a world of difference and help to create a more glowing, hydrated, and comfortable winter skin.

If you have any questions and would like to speak to one of our friendly master estheticians, please call us at 800-676-9667.