The sun may seem far away, but those UV rays are still ever present. Even during the cold winter months, skin care is a must. It’s not about beauty but minding the needs of healthy skin and cancer prevention.
Must Do #1: Moisturize. Keep moisture in the air and in your body.
With the already dry mountain climate, blasting the heater zaps the rest of that moisture out of your home. When inside, use a humidifier. Also, drink more water. When it is dry and cold, water evaporates off the surface faster and easier. It is important to drink more water to help maintain healthy hydration.
Must Do #2: Moisturize. Use oils, creams, and lotions.
Before bathing, apply a body oil to protect your skin from the heat of your bath water. After your bath, help trap more of that moisture in with a cream, not a lotion. Lotions come in pumps and are great for in between skin hydrations, but cremes come in jars. Opt for products with ceramides as well as hyaluronic acid to keep the barrier of your skin from losing a lot of water.
Must Do #3: Moisturize, again! Use Sun protection.
UVB rays are weaker in the winter months, so sun burning isn’t a huge issue, but UVA rays-the wrinkle-causing ones- are still lurking. More wrinkles are possible in the winter than summer because people aren’t looking for shade. Snow reflection actually doubles your UV exposure. With the higher altitudes comes a thinner atmosphere. For every 1,000-foot increase in elevation, you will have a four percent increase in UV rays. And here is the kicker…. the earth is closest to the sun in the middle of the winter! So, make sure you are using appropriate sun protection.
Two No-Nos
Whatever you do, don’t go out into the cold with damp skin. This will cause dry skin to become even drier―it’s like licking dry lips.
Exfoliate less. Your skin barrier is already compromised due to the cold air. Over exfoliation will weaken it. Keep exfoliation to once a week.
Even during the winter months, it is important to take the time to tend to your body’s largest organ: the skin. Moisturize, moisturize, and moisturize again.
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