Winter Skincare Tips

Serving Kansas City & Lee’s Summit, Missouri

The winter months can offer some of the best holiday fun and some of the worst skin care issues. The change in temperature and humidity levels, both indoors and out, can make it difficult for your skin to adjust. Abrupt transitions from hot, dry indoor air to cold, damp outdoor air and back again can provide challenges even to individuals who are extremely conscientious about their skin care.

The basic principles of winter skin care are similar to those of summer skin care, but their execution may be somewhat different.

Hydrate

Keeping your skin well-hydrated may be a challenge, but is a worthy one to undertake. Not only does drinking lots of water help minimize acne and flush out other toxins that can irritate your skin, but it helps your skin produce the oils and lipids necessary to create healthy, resilient skin.

You can help your skin stay hydrated with the following steps:

• Drink lots of water
• Use a humidifier when possible
• Avoid taking long, hot showers or baths
• Use a topical hydrating serum such as Skinceuticals Hydrating b5 Serum

 

Exfoliate

Exfoliating is one of the best ways you can keep your skin looking healthy and young. Removing dead skin can stimulate the skin underneath and expose it to air and sunshine. When you are exfoliating, however, remember to be gentle with your skin. The goal is to remove the dead skin. Any more than that and you may be damaging your epidermis.

Keep the following suggestions in mind:

• Use a gentle exfoliating face scrub once a day
• Use a loofa in the shower to help remove dead skin from the rest of your body
• Keep a pumice stone in the bath to remove tougher dead skin from your feet and elbows
• Remember to be gentle
• Schedule regular facials/microdermabrasions

 

Protect

Protecting your skin takes on new meaning in the winter, when you have not only the sun to deal with, but also damp, cold, and wind. You may need to take extra precautions above and beyond your daily routine to keep your skin safe from the elements. Follow these steps to keep your skin safe in the snow:

• Wear sunscreen any time you will go outdoors, even on cloudy days and especially if you will be skiing.
• Invest in a thick scarf to protect your neck and, in harsh conditions, your lower face.
• Wear gloves or mittens to protect the thin skin of your hands.
• Keep your clothes dry as water trapped against your skin can leach the moisture from your skin.

 

Please contact our licensed Kansas City esthetician, Keri Eichorn, today to schedule your free initial consultation and learn more about the many skin care options available from Summit Plastic Surgery & Med Spa, serving Lee’s Summit and Kansas City area, Missouri.