September is only a week old. However, about a month from now, Albertans will be feeling the effects of winter even though it will still be autumn. Cold weather conditions can wreak havoc on our skin, and believe it or not, sunscreen can help. Applying it isn’t just a summer routine.
It’s important to remember that there are just as many – if not, more – skin protection measures for us to take during the coldest days of the year. Here are five ways to protect your skin when the cold weather returns:
1. Avoid taking long showers.
Taking a long hot shower can be especially pleasing during the coldest months of the year. But, believe it or not, they dry out your skin which leaves it more susceptible to damage. “As luxurious as steamy showers can be in the colder months, heat can dry out your skin and leave it susceptible to outdoor damage,” informs Anne Donahue on CanadianLiving.com.
2. Moisturize your skin.
Cold weather conditions promote dry skin and chapped lips. It’s important to moisturize your skin with fragrance-free lotions to keep it protected from the elements. Apply lotion while your skin is moist and try to skip bubble baths as they dry the skin. Children and people with sensitive or particularly dry skin should use natural oils such as coconut or canola instead of lotion. Be sure to check with your doctor before applying oils to infants.
3. Stay hydrated and eat a nutritious diet.
Needless to say, the drinking of water and eating of fruits and veggies provide numerous health benefits. They include keeping your skin protected. “What you do and do not eat also has a huge effect on the way your skin looks, so to protect your skin before winter hits, drink lots of water and keep nutrients high by loading up on vegetables and healthy fats,” instructs Donahue.
4. Apply lip balm regularly.
When applying our moisturizers and sunscreen, we often forget about our lips. They are parts of our bodies that are almost always exposed to the elements. It’s important to protect them from chapping, cracking and burning. Be sure to walk with some lip balm wherever you go during the cold months of the year. Try non-petroleum balms that are made from natural oils. Avoid products that list retinyl palmitate or retinyl acetate on their labels.
5. Exfoliate your skin.
As wise as it is to keep your skin moisturized, you’ll want to ensure that you’re not clogging your pores. To remove dead skin cells and improve our skin’s natural complexion, you’ll want to exfoliate at least every other day. “If you have sensitive skin, pick up a gentle face scrub to use throughout the week or speak to someone at your beauty counter to help pair a product with your skin type,” writes Donahue.
Until the end of September, you can save 15% on Alumier Facial Peels at Aurora Skin & Vein! If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to call us at 403-358-5818. You may also email us at amlvc@telus.net.