5 ways to winter-proof your skin
Winter-like weather is already here in the Myrtle Beach area and as temperatures continue to drop, it’s important to protect your skin from the colder conditions. Dr. Fabrizio Galimberti with CMC Dermatology offers these skin care tips to help you keep your skin healthy and glowing all winter long.
1. Use sun protection.
The days may be shorter but that doesn’t mean that you are suddenly immune to the damaging effects of the sun.
“Sunblock, SPF 30 or higher, every day is top of the list,” stresses Dr. Galimberti. “I think the most important thing you can do for your skin, no matter where you live, whether by the ocean or in the mountains or in the city, is apply sun protection. You need to protect yourself from the sun all year long. The sun gives us a lot of good things like Vitamin D but we need to protect ourselves from its harmful effects.”
2. Hydrate your skin.
Cold winter air can dry out the skin so you need to add the moisture back with a healthy moisturizing regime.
“Dry is the best word to describe this season for our skin,” Dr. Galimberti explains. “When the weather is dryer, guess what is going to happen to your skin? Your skin is going to get dryer which makes it easier for it to get little cracks in it. Then bacteria have a chance to infiltrate the skin and lead to little pimples, infections, and annoyances.”
“Hydration through a good moisturizing regimen is so important. A mild moisturizer with ceramides can really help with dryness.”
“The best time to use that moisturizer is right after a shower or after you wash your face because the water you put on your skin actually dries it out. Applying cream right after you wash will help retain moisture.”
3. Avoid hot showers.
“When it’s cold, you may be tempted to warm up with a long, hot shower but that is terrible for skin,” notes Dr. Galimberti. “This causes the skin to dry out and can cause itchiness and irritation. Instead of a hot shower, opt for a warm one and limit your time to 10 minutes or less.”
4. Add a probiotic to your daily routine.
This game changer will help regulate inflammations and serve as a barrier to pathogens.
“The skin’s microbiome can change slightly during the winter months, so adding a probiotic to your daily supplements may help keep your skin looking its best,” Dr. Galimberti recommends. “We’re trying to prevent acne flare-ups and infections from happening and that is where the probiotics come in. The good bacteria of the probiotic fights off the bad bacteria preventing acne and infections.”
“Probiotics also help produce that glowing effect because they help control inflammation which helps your skin look healthy and youthful.”
5. Seek medical attention for extremely dry skin.
“If you are having issues with managing the dryness of your skin and are experiencing pain, cracking, and skin infections, you want to seek treatment,” implores Dr. Galimberti. “The cold, dry conditions of winter can make preexisting skin conditions like psoriasis and eczema worse and extremely painful. If you are experiencing a flare-up, there are treatments like topical corticosteroid lotions that we can prescribe.”
Healthy skin starts at CMC Dermatology
With the expert team at CMC Dermatology by your side, you can effortlessly achieve vibrant, glowing skin even during the harsh winter months. Let our experienced providers help you create your ideal winter skincare routine. Don’t wait to call 843-234-8700 to schedule your appointment.
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