Skin Care Tips

1.

WASH IN LUKEWARM WATER

Hot showers and baths always feel good in the winter, but when you can, particularly when just washing your face or hands, choose lukewarm water to avoid stripping as many oils away from the skin.

2.

MOISTURIZE IMMEDIATELY AFTERWARDS

Your skin not only needs more moisture, but moisture right after you wash. Applying moisture to damp skin helps seal that dampness into the skin. Keep a bottle near the bathtub, shower stall, and at every sink and use liberally every time you wash.

3.

CHOOSE MOISTURIZER CAREFULLY

Over-the-counter moisturizers with petroleum can dry your skin more in winter. Choose oil-based, natural products like lavender or jojoba for better moisture retention. PCA’s daytime moisturizers with zinc oxide offer hydration and sun protection.

4.

Protect

Get used to wearing gloves and scarves to protect skin from cold winds, rain, and snow. Also, don’t forget the sunscreen. Winter sun can be just as damaging as summer sun, so apply a safe option like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide to any exposed areas.

5.

Humidity

Heating systems dry out the air, so consider installing a humidifier in your home, particularly in your bedroom, to put moisture back into the air and help prevent your skin from drying out.

6.

Drink

We tend to drink less water in the winter because we turn to hot drinks like cocoa and tea, but don’t forget that your skin needs hydration from the inside, out. A little warm water with lemon can be very refreshing and hydrating at the same time.

7.

OVERNIGHT MOISTURIZE

Dryer areas like hands, feet, elbows, and knees have thin skin and tend to lose moisture faster than other areas on the body. Consider slathering on a deep moisturizing balm at night, then wear cotton gloves and socks to seal in the moisture until morning. Glytone Heel and Elbow Cream is a restoring cream to hydrate and renew the skin for those areas.

8.

EXFOLIATE (GENTLY)

Winter often means neglecting exfoliation, especially for hands. Use an exfoliating mask on your face, hands, and lips, then apply moisturizer. Exfoliating body washes help too. Try Baby Foot for effective at-home foot treatment.

9.

AVOID TOXINS, SPECIFICALLY ALLERGENS & IRRITANTs

Particularly if you have eczema, dermatitis, or psoriasis, you have to avoid allergens and irritants that may trigger a flare up. Winter skin is more fragile, so avoid irritating fabrics (like wool) and chemical-laden detergents, and use mild cleansers and moisturizers designed for sensitive skin.

10.

HYDRATE FROM THE INSIDE OUT

Eating foods high in water content can help hydrate your skin from the inside out. Try watermelon, cantaloupe, apples, oranges, kiwi, and watery veggies like celery, tomatoes, cucumbers, zucchini, and carrots. Make sure you’re getting enough vitamin C and zinc to support the healthy production of collagen and elastin. Also consider omega-3 supplement, or consume more fatty fish and flaxseed to give your skin the building blocks it needs to appear supple and smooth.

11.

CHANGE YOUR CLEANSER

Cleansers with glycolic or salicylic acid can dry your skin. Switch to a hydrating cleanser like PCA's Facial Cleanser or Creamy Cleanser. After cleansing, apply a hydrating toner and moisturizer within 30 seconds to prevent dryness.