5 Ways to Prepare Your Skin for Winter

The calendar has barely turned to November, but in much of the country, it already feels like winter, with snow, dry air and freezing temperatures leaving surroundings cracked and bleak. But our skin often a casualty of similar forces doesn't have to end up the same way.


1. Switch from lotion to cream


When you switch your seasonal wardrobes, it's a good idea to do the same with your skin emollient. Use creams, which are typically more moisturizing, instead of lotions, which don't provide as strong an oily barrier to reduce water loss in the skin. Creams feel heavier on the skin, but they do a much better job at protecting against temperature and humidity extremes.


2. Take shorter showers


Ironically, the very things that make us feel good in the moment, such as long, hot showers or baths, can leave our skin crying out for moisture over the longer-term. Opt for shorter, more lukewarm baths and showers and pat your skin dry afterward, following up quickly with a layer of moisturizer from head to toe.




3. Don't skip sunscreen


Though we're less exposed to sun in winter, that doesn't mean we can stop protecting ourselves from its rays altogether. Some skin creams have sunscreen built in, but make sure it carries an SPF (sun protection factor ) rating of 15 or higher, Day and Sarnoff said. For those who spend a lot of time outdoors whether working or skiing an SPF of 30 or higher is even better.


4. Stay ahead of stressors


As bleak as it may seem, winter brings a bevy of holidays that can be fun to celebrate, but are harsh on skin. Alcohol, rich foods, not sleeping enough . . . you have to definitely pay attention to those things and minimize them. Some people know that stress will bring on certain skin ills, such as acne or cold sores, so try cutting back on simple sugars and carbohydrates, which are plentiful in fast foods or processed foods, as another measure to avoid breakouts when a stressful situationlooms. Stress in general can do something to the body where it can make any skin problem a little bit worse it's not the reason you break out per se, but it's one of the factors.


5. Wear gloves


Most people wait until temperatures turn frigid before donning gloves, but by wearing them every day until spring. That's because even minor skin chapping on the hands can turn into fissures that become infected. (The same is true for lips, which should always be covered with lip balm when venturing outdoors.) Then, moisturizers burn, then people don't want to use them, then they go into a bad spiral down. If you start using gloves when it first gets cold outside, that won't happen. Protecting skin early is good.


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