Coloradans are typically very familiar with the effects of winter weather on skin. This is especially so for those of you who love hitting the slopes! Winter brings lots of opportunities for outdoor fun, but the cold and wind can wreak havoc on our skin. Drier air from outdoor cold and indoor heating can leave your skin feeling dry, itchy and, in extreme cases, raw and cracked.
Fortunately, a few simple tips for winter skin care can help keep your skin comfortable and healthy.
It can feel wonderful to luxuriate in a hot shower. However, staying in too long and using water that is too hot can irritate your skin and increase the drying effect. Try decreasing the time you stay in and/or reduce the temperature of the water, especially if you’ve noticed your skin feeling irritated.
SPF protection is important regardless of the season. Sun exposure can be especially intense when rays are reflecting off snow. While the effects may not be immediately visible (unless you get a sunburn!), going without sun protection can age your skin prematurely. Don’t forget to apply sunscreen to your hands if you’re not wearing gloves.
This tip is no surprise, but that doesn’t make it any less important. Regularly applying moisturizer can help protect your skin from the drying effects of the cold. Of course, not all moisturizers work well for all skin types – it can be challenging to find the right formula. If you have tried several moisturizers but aren’t satisfied, or you want to avoid the hassle of having to experiment on your own, then I encourage you to come in so I can help to identify which products will benefit your specific skin type. At Artemis, our patients love the skin care products we offer from Eminence Organic and Senté. These lines offer a full range of treatment options from nourishing hydration to dermal repair.
Small interventions like these can make a significant difference in how your skin feels. However, if you want to give your skin the best chance at staying healthy, then I recommend starting a regular facial regimen that you can continue even beyond the winter months.
Facial packages may differ depending on where you go, but they typically include some combination of exfoliation, cleansing, and moisturization. At Artemis, we offer three types of facials: the Express facial, the Signature facial, and Skinwave, a facial system par excellence.
Express Facial: A deep cleansing, pore refining treatment that includes exfoliation, extraction, a nourishing mask, Hungarian massage, moisturizer, serum, and SPF.
Signature Facial: Includes the same features as the Express Facial, but adds a rejuvenating enzyme peel.
Both of these facials are wonderful, but for the ultimate facial experience, I recommend Skinwave. Skinwave is a highly advanced system that nourishes skin like no other facial. This is possible because of the advanced nutrient solutions applied during treatment, including:
Skinwave uses LED technology to gently loosen pores for maximum cleansing and absorption. The best part is that this treatment can be completed over a lunch break and there’s no downtime afterward. You can simply go about your day loving how your skin feels!
If you find yourself noticing dry, chapped or irritated skin this winter, remember that you have options. We hope you like the tips for winter skin care we included here. You can take proactive steps to reduce irritation (like limiting those hot showers and wearing sunscreen) and increase hydration. If you’re not sure where to start, or feel frustrated with your current products or skincare regimen, then call us to arrange a free facial assessment so that I can use my experience to assist you. Your best skin is within reach – sometimes it just takes a little help to achieve it!