“Dry skin is in!”, said no one…ever. As the winter season blows in, many of us face the threat of dry, flaky, irritated skin from the winter winds that blow through Sonoma County. Those who already battle skin conditions like psoriasis, eczema, and acne face additional challenges during the winter months. A regular skin care regimen, combined with a diet that complements and supports healthy skin, can make this season much easier to face.
So, what can you do to maintain skin health in the winter? The first rule of combat in keeping your skin healthy is to know your skin type. Applying skin care products that do not meet its specific needs is bound to produce less than successful results. Failing to protect skin against the external factors that can impact skin health, like seasonal weather changes, can also present new problems or exacerbate recurring ones. Then there are the internal impacts that we sometimes tend to ignore or fail to consider, such as the types of foods we eat, and our genetic predispositions.
What Skin Are You In?
How can you identify the type of skin you have? You can find out from your doctor, but there are ways to know without incurring the cost of seeing a dermatologist. Determining skin type at home includes a couple of simple steps.
Steps to Determining Skin Type:
- Wash your face the night before testing for skin type, and do not use any skin care products or any artificial air conditioning or heat overnight.
- Before washing your face the next morning, touch your T-zone, which is the area including the forehead, nose, around the nose, and chin. Check to see if it is oily, dry, or damp. Then repeat the process with the C-zone, which is the outer portion of the face. An oily T-zone and C-zone indicates oily skin. An oily T-zone and dry C-zone indicates combination skin. Dryness in both zones indicates a dry skin type. Normal skin will look fresher, feel smoother, and be free of irritation.
- Look for pore type. Wide, open pores in the center zone and areas that are darker than before, indicates oily skin that is more prone to acne. If your pores are more refined but the skin is tight, dull-looking, and rough to the touch, it is likely to range from mildly to extremely dry.
- Splash your face with water. If it stings or burns, it is an indication of dry, sensitive, or dehydrated skin that needs extra care. Consulting the licensed estheticians at Laura Skin Care can help you be certain about the type of skin you’re in.
Now that you’ve tested for skin type, here are some ways to combat the effects of winter wind.
Chemical Warfare
Chemical peels are a great weapon against harsh weather conditions. They can help to reduce pore size, diminish fine lines and scars, and even skin tone. Depending on the type of chemicals used, these peels remove dead skin, penetrate the epidermis to address pigmentation problems, and reach into the dermis to moderate skin wrinkling. There are different types of peels but determining which one is right for you is as easy as consulting a licensed esthetician, and it doesn’t hurt to do a little research before your visit. Here are some chemical peels for you to consider.
Alpha Hydroxy Acid Peels
These peels are made from glycolic, lactic, citric, malic, and tartaric acids derived naturally from foods like milk, citrus fruits, sugar cane, and grapes. They are effective at treating dry skin, uneven texture, and mild acne. AHAs are best for penetration of the top layer of skin to brighten it, and they can be used for daily maintenance because there is no downtime required after they are applied.
Salicylic Acid (Beta Hydroxy) Peels
A salicylic acid peel is made from organic salicylates and it acts as an anti-inflammatory that also helps to reduce acne. It can reduce fine lines and wrinkles, while improving overall facial texture because it exfoliates the skin surface and prevents clogging of pores.
Protecting the Inside Ranks
Increasing your intake of foods rich in fatty acids, antioxidants, and vitamins A, C, D, and E can help battle dry skin from the inside out. Antioxidant and Omega-3 fatty acid high foods include salmon, eggs, tomatoes, kale, almonds and walnuts, red bell pepper, and berries. There are several others, but those mentioned here are a good start to building a solid foundation of internal impacts to improve your skin’s health.
Winning the Battle
You can enjoy healthier skin this winter if you establish a skin care routine that meets your skin’s specific needs. A moisturizer can help protect the skin against the elements. Drinking plenty of water and eating foods that help to replenish the oils the skin needs to retain moisture should also be part of the battle plan against dry skin in the winter. Chemical peels can be a good choice for hydration and exfoliation of your skin. Be sure to choose the peel best for your skin type. Seeing a dermatologist is recommended if you are seeking a more permanent solution to your skin care needs. However, dermatologist visits cost significantly more and usually signify a deeper problem that might have been prevented by regular visits to an esthetician. An ongoing relationship with a skin care professional is a great way to get the best possible results.
