Winter Skin Care Tips Protect Your Face from Harsh Weather
Posted by Edward Kwak on Wed, Dec 21, 2011 @ 08:06 AM
New York City has already been sideswiped by a couple of early winter storms, and weather forecasters say there’s much more to come. The Big Apple is in for another cold, wet winter that will wreak havoc on tender facial skin. Without adequate protection, Manhattan facial plastic surgeons warn, daily exposure to harsh winter wind and bitter cold can damage the thinner, more delicate skin on the face and neck.
Unfortunately, you won’t find any relief for your skin indoors during the winter. Winter deals our facial skin a double blow, New York City cosmetic surgeons explain. Stormy outdoor weather buffets our skin whenever we venture outdoors; but our skin is no better off if we stay inside our cozy homes. The combination of low winter humidity and forced-air heat creates a dry indoor environment that leaches the moisture from our skin, causing itching and flaking.
Fortunately, there are some simple steps you can take to minimize winter skin damage and keep the skin on your face and neck soft and supple until spring arrives:
- Turn down the heat when you shower or bathe. Hot water removes the skin’s natural oils.
- Pat dry and moisturize as soon as you step out of the shower. Damp skin absorbs more moisture.
- To protect skin from drying out, choose a moisturizer that contains niacinamide (vitamin B3), glycerin and/or hyaluronic acid, all of which help the skin retain moisture.
- For lips, use a lipstick or gloss that contains moisture-retaining glycerin or shea butter and has a SFP rating of at least 15. Avoid waxy or flavored lip balms which dry the lips.
- Don’t neglect sunscreen during the winter. To block harmful UVA and UVB rays, use sunscreen with a minimum SFP 30 rating.
Professional skin care treatments from your Manhattan facial plastic surgeon may be required to repair damaged skin.
