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Right now, arctic temperatures are affecting much of the U.S., with abnormally heavy snowfall recently falling on the Midwest. It’s all a result of the “bomb cyclone” that occurred a little while ago.
This early start to winter temperatures is a good reminder to take steps this season to protect your skin. Winter’s extreme temps and dry conditions siphon moisture from skin. Indoor heating also does nothing to add moisture either. As a result, the skin’s protective barrier will crack. It’s difficult to repair the skin quickly when this happens.
Here are some tips to follow this winter:
- Use a salicylic acid-containing lotion to prevent rough skin (a.k.a. keratosis pilaris, which is characterized by hard plugs that form in hair follicles), which can occur on upper arms if skin becomes too dry.
- Wash with soap-free, wipe-off hand sanitizers. Find one without alcohol. They don’t dry out skin as much as soap and water can. If you must use water, make sure to follow up with lotion right away. It also helps to use a moisture-based, soap-free hand cleanser.
- Wear gloves at night after you apply hand moisturizer to help keep hands soft and hydrated. Wearing gloves for only an hour can help skin’s hydration levels, as well. Gloves help to trap moisture with a non-breathable barrier.
- Attack dry skin patches with an exfoliating scrub. Visit our product line to see our available products. Also, make sure to exfoliate facial skin lightly. It brightens skin without being too harsh on the outer layer of your skin.
- A lactic acid lotion can help arms and legs that appear scaly due to the dry weather. The moisturizer also acts as an exfoliator.
- Make sure to not forget your feet and buff out callouses with a pumice stone. Wear socks overnight after applying lotion.
- Showers should be kept short. They shouldn’t be any longer than 10 minutes. Keep showering to once a day, as well. It’s also better to use warm, not hot water, which will strip your skin of moisture.
- If you suffer from eczema or even simply sensitive skin, it helps if you wear soft pajamas or have soft bedding. Blends and synthetic fabrics can be aggravating to people with these conditions.
For more serious skin conditions, or if you’re looking for more advanced skin rejuvenation services, please call Your Laser Skin Care at (323) 525-1516.
