Winter Skin Self-Care Guide for Cozy Comfort and Outdoor Sense
On this post, Moondust Cosmetics welcomes Dr. Annie Savage (ND) with The Bay Wellness Centre. Dr. Savage grew up in Canada’s famed frosty prairies so her tips this month are based on day to day personal experience and her professional insights as a naturopathic doctor on how to look, feel, and be your best, in your skin this season!
Now that we’re in the winter months, we need to shift our skincare along with the shifting weather. In Vancouver, we typically don’t see too much snow or icy cold temperatures, but this has been changing in the recent years and the simple change from cold and wet to dry and hot can wreak havoc on our skin. Our temperatures have been dropping, and more snow has been falling – so what does this mean for our skincare routine?
As you have probably recognized, with colder temperatures our skin can easily become drier. Colder temperatures with low humidity creates dry air that draws moisture away from our skin, and pair that with winds and dry indoor heat and you may see your skin cracking! These conditions can worsen many skin conditions, like eczema and psoriasis.
Rules To Live By for Healthy Skin During the Winter Months:
- Prevention is key. Keep your hands warm by wearing gloves when you’re outside to protect your skin from the weather. Wear a mask or scarf to block the wind from your face.
- Avoid long, hot showers and baths. Although a nice hot shower or bath on a wet, cold, rainy day in Vancouver might sound nice, it can dry out your skin. Hot baths and showers strip your skin of its natural oils, leading to drying. Whenever possible, use warm or lukewarm water instead, and dab dry instead of rubbing. This includes when you wash your face and hands!
- Choose the best moisturizing option for your skin. During the winter months, you will need a different type of moisturizer than you use during the summer months. But remember, thicker isn’t always better. If you’re prone to acne breakouts, you’ll want to avoid petroleum or oil-based formulas. Look for formulations that contain lipids instead. If your skin is very dry, you may need an emollient underneath your moisturizer. Also, remember that it’s best to moisturize in the morning and at night (make sleep time, healing time).
- Don’t forget your sunscreen! Even though the sun has lost its heat (or you can’t see the sun through the clouds), you still need sunscreen every day. Apply sunscreen to your face and hands 30 minutes before going out. (Enjoy the outdoors where it is free and safe and be skin smart in all seasons)
- Choose the right fabrics for your skin. Keep your skin healthy by avoiding tight clothing that will cause you to sweat in them. Choosing breathable fabrics that will allow for ventilation if you get too warm can be a big help. Avoid scratchy fabrics directly on your skin as well, such as wool.
- Stay hydrated. Drinking enough water throughout the day also hydrates your skin. Aim for half your body weight in ounces of water per day to stay hydrated. For example, if you weight 150lbs, drink 75oz or 2 litres of water per day. If you have any kidney conditions, please check with your physician first.
Dr. Annie Savage (ND) works out of the Bay Wellness Centre conveniently located in downtown Vancouver at Suite 100 just down the stairs at 555 West Georgia, off Seymour St.
Check the website for all the services the clinic offers or call (604) 245-1049 to book a visit.
