Winter Skin Woes

Living in the midwest, it is a fact that the winter will be dry and cold.This is constant, it has not changed and we don’t expect it to change, so why do so many of us have dry skin year after year. Simply put skin doesn’t get the attention and care it deserves until it is dry, itchy or inflamed.The best way to care for skin especially in winter is to develop some good skin care habits.

Before getting to what should be done, let us eliminate the myth that to rid dry winter skin is to simply slather on a really good moisturizer.True moisturizing is paramount in winter skin care but it is not the only thing.Combating dry winter skin involves changing the environment, adjusting the diet and investing in smart skin care.Remember the skin is more than simply aesthetic, it is an organ and has more than one function, it absorbs, excretes and protects. It protects us from the elements, the outer environment, and prevents microorganisms from entering our systems. It disposes of harmful bacteria, it prevents fluid loss, and it is a thermoregulator preventing heat loss and allowing rapid cooling through sweating.

There is a number of things that one can do to help the skin stay in great shape during this cold dry season, but it takes a bit of doing and discovering what’s best for you.A few changes to the home and some extra attention to the skin will help.

First let’s talk about the environment. The home becomes much dryer in winter causing dry skin, scratchy throats and static electricity. Adding some humidity to the air would be a benefit.The best way to add humidity to a home is with a warm or cool mist humidifier.Another option would be a vaporizer.

Now, let’s talk about skin care.Something to consider is oil and water.Evan Healy an aesthetician and creator of the Evan Healy Skin Care line reminds us that oil and water do mix when it comes to skin care. Healy says that the skin is made up of both oil and water and this combination is nature’s own moisturizer, this is what forms the protective barrier of the skin. Using a facial tonic and facial oil together will penetrate the skin without any oily residue, mimicking the skin’s own moisturizing strategy. In winter she suggests as do others, to cover up, the less exposed your skin is the better.She also adds keep the skin protected by a layer of fat when outdoors in extreme conditions. A combination of facial oil and a high quality unrefined shea butter will protect the skin as well as keep in the moisture.

Moving on here are a few ideas for body care.How about dry brushing.Dry brushing is brushing the skin prior to showering with a soft natural fiber brush to remove the dead skin cell layer.A moisturizer can be applied either prior to or after the shower.Removing the dead skin cells is a good idea and can also be done with a sugar scrub.Another good thing to know is that warm showers are better in winter because hot showers will evaporate existing moisture from the skin.After showering, moisturizing would be the next step.The sooner you can put the moisturizer on after getting out of the shower the better.A good habit to get into is to take some extra time and apply a heavy layer of lotion or oil on the skin and then give it a bit of time to absorb. After a few minutes you can remove any excess gently with a towel.When choosing a moisturizer it is wise to know what you are putting on your skin.Many articles recommend products with petroleum and mineral oil because they make the skin soft and seal in moisture.This is true, but essentially it sits on top of the skin and remember the function of the skin is to absorb and excrete so how can the skin function effectively if the skin is sealed.That’s something to think about.

As stated earlier, itchy winter skin can be reduced by making improvements on the outside as well as on the inside.Just as we add oil and water to the outside we do the same for the inside. Increase the intake of water during winter as well as eating fruits and veggies that are high in water content.To add oil to your diet eat oily fish like salmon, mackerel or fresh tuna.If fish is not your thing you can take a tablespoon of flax seed oil three times a day, or eat soaked and blanched almonds, or walnuts.But if you just can’t change the diet, an omega 3 capsule will do.

Go out and enjoy the Wisconsin winter, bundle up, humidify the house, and moisturize your skin.