You've been diligent about protecting your skin all summer from the damaging effects of the sun. But now that winter has arrived, you think you're off the hook. Not so. Your skin-care routine should not falter when the first blast of cold air hits; wind and subzero temperatures can also damage your delicate dermis. And even on those cold, cold days, you still need to protect yourself from harmful UV rays. Follow our skin-saving guide to keep your skin healthy and hydrated throughout the winter months.
Save face
While your body may be bundled up, your face is still vulnerable to the cold, windy weather.
According to Dr. Anne Curtis, a Toronto dermatologist, the winter brings with it a dry and unforgiving environment. "I remind people to reassess what they're doing with their skin and maybe back off a bit," says Dr. Curtis. This could mean using a gentle cleanser on the face or only using your cleanser once a day before bed and simply rinsing with water in the morning. But, she says, only adjust your routine if there is a problem with it.
Depending on your skin type, you may also find the need for a rich, thick moisturizer for the face. Since skin is exposed to the sun all year round, Dr. Curtis recommends a daily moisturizer with sunscreen that has a minimum SPF of 15. At night, you can focus more on a treatment cream to help with symptoms like wrinkles or to remove fine lines and spots.
Chapped lips can also be a nuisance in the winter, making it difficult to apply lipstick. "There are a lot of people who need to put on a lip balm every night," says Dr. Curtis.
Page 1 of 2
Comment reported
Thank you for reporting this comment as inappropriate.
Back to Comments »