Your Guide to Sensitive Skin in Cold Weather
Cold weather brings low humidity levels and dry air, which can suck the moisture from your skin, and without proper care, skin can become dry, cracked, and irritated, causing discomfort, especially for those who suffer from sensitive skin.
The harsh weather can strip the skin’s natural protective barrier, creating gaps in the outermost layer, allowing water to escape (dehydration) and irritants to get in (sensitivity). The dry environment may be responsible for the itchy sensations, as the inflammatory response kicks in and releases histamines. It can exacerbate inflammatory skin diseases such as rosacea, eczema, ichthyosis, and psoriasis, which suffer an impaired barrier function. Just like the eyelids, the skin on the lips is extra thin and sensitive, which can suffer greatly during the harsh winters, resulting in dry cracked, sore lips.
If you are prone to sensitive skin, keep reading while we explain some key tips to add to your daily skincare regimen during the colder months to help keep your skin looking and feeling its best!
Moisturize Daily
Petroleum or cream-based moisturizers are better than lotions for normal to dry skin. If you have sensitive skin, choose a moisturizer without fragrance or lanolin. MintPear’s Vitamin Rich Daily Moisturizer is a great addition to sensitive skin. This Ultra Rich Nourishing Creme brings all the best skin-loving vitamins together for one big beneficial celebration on your face! Formulated to be dense and substantial in order to bring the benefits of Vitamin C, Vitamin A, E, and Pro-Vitamin B5, this powerhouse creme softens, smooths, and revives that youthful glow like no other.
Pro Tip: Apply moisturizer directly to your wet skin after bathing so the moisturizer can help trap surface moisture.
Don’t Overdo It!
Yes, it is possible to be too clean! Too much cleansing removes the skin’s natural moisturizers. It is enough to wash your face, hands, feet, and between the folds of your skin once a day, no need to overdo it! If your skin is especially sensitive in the cold winter months, it’s important to not overwash and strip the skin of its natural oils.
If you have dry, itchy skin, take short lukewarm showers or baths with a non-irritating, non-detergent-based cleanser. Immediately afterward, apply a thick cream or petroleum-jelly-type moisturizer. Gently pat skin dry.
Humidify
When winter sets in and temperatures drop, you’re likely to find the air in your house lacking in moisture due to central heating, which is bad news for already dry skin. A humidifier releases water vapor into the air to increase humidity and thus prevent your skin from drying out. It can also help with stuffiness and sinus issues, so it’s a win-win. Room humidifiers can be very beneficial. However, be sure to clean the unit and change the water according to the manufacturer’s instructions to reduce mold and fungi. Make sure it’s a cool-mist humidifier and aim it towards your face while you are sleeping. It will combat the loss of moisture from your skin as your heater runs more. As your skin gets more hydrated, it will look glowy and refreshed.
Protect Your Skin
Remember that even though the sun may not be shining, the sun can still be dangerous to the skin. Even in the fall and winter months, you should use sunscreen with a sun-protection factor of 15 or greater if you plan to be outdoors for prolonged periods. Remember if you are prone to sensitive skin to find a sunscreen that is best for sensitive skin. Overexposure to sunlight can lead to premature aging of the skin and skin cancer.
Prepare Your Skin
Adding a few drops of our Rosehip Oil with everyone’s favorite Daily Vitamin Rich Daily Moisturizer during the Winter season will help your skin to have the perfect glow. Add this simple step to your skin routine before you apply your foundation, for a perfect dewy (not greasy glow)!
Avoid the Cold Temps and Wind
Exposing sore skin to blizzard-like conditions and harsh winds can cause further irritation. Because we can’t hide inside when the weather is bad, protect your skin with a scarf made from a breathable fabric such as silk or cotton. Our skin’s natural barrier does a great job of keeping moisture in and irritants out, but harsh winds can strip vital water from the skin, weakening the barrier. When upset, our skin cells are programmed to react—say hello to sensitive, dry, red, or irritated skin. Try to keep your skin and face covered up when outside, especially if it’s extra windy and cold. This will help your skin to stay hydrated and reduce the change of windburn on your sensitive skin.
Looking for other great tips on how to soothe and protect your sensitive skin? Here are Rita’s 5 tips!
