Dry skin can be a challenge, especially when winter weather takes a toll. Most people experience dry skin during the winter, meaning it’s important to adjust your regimen and habits accordingly at certain parts of the year. Still, it can feel like you just don’t get results no matter what you do. If you’ve been struggling with dry skin, then here are some ways to manage it during the winter months.

Stay Hydrated

One reason your skin can become dry is that you’re dehydrated. Although many people equate dehydration with the summer months, it’s easy to become dehydrated in the winter. Combat this by drinking more water and eating foods full of natural moisture like fruits and veggies. When your skin has the hydration it needs, it can more effectively combat dry, cold weather.

Limit Your Showers

Long, hot showers can be a blessing in the winter but they can also take a toll on your skin. Hot water and steam exposure for long periods of time can damage the lipid barriers in your skin, making it harder to retain moisture. Try limiting your showers or baths to ten minutes or less, or turn the temperature down as far as you can stand.

Find the Right Moisturizer

Moisturizers help lock hydration into the skin. However, not all moisturizers are created equal. During the winter, moisturizers that are thick and creamy are able to truly penetrate the skin’s surface. However, these types aren’t always best for certain types of skin, so you should check with your skincare specialist. If changing your moisturizer doesn’t cut it, consider including additional oils or hydrating serums into your regimen.

Check Your Soaps and Cleansers

Consider checking your soaps and cleansers for ingredients like alcohol, heavy fragrances, and antibacterial detergents. These ingredients often exacerbate dryness and other associated problems. Instead, look for gentle, unscented cleansers or soaps and even try using them less frequently.

Use a Humidifier

If you don’t already use a humidifier, consider putting one in your bedroom or living area to add moisture back into your environment. Winter and dry, cold weather can suck moisture out of the air, meaning being inside your home isn’t much of a relief for your skin. Sleeping or relaxing with a humidifier nearby can passively add moisture back.

Assess Your Wardrobe

Although it’s tempting to bundle up with warm fabrics like wool, these can be rough on your skin and rub away at its protective moisture barriers. The result is exposed skin that dries out quickly. Consider wearing softer fabrics like cotton against your skin to get some relief and protect it from chafing.

Schedule a Consultation

If you can’t find relief at home, our team can help. During a consultation, we can create the right treatment plan for dry skin with the right lifestyle changes and products for you. To get started, we invite you to contact our Rochester Hills office by calling or filling out our online form.