Harsh Weather, Hydrated Skin

How does winter affect the skin? There are many winter climate factors such as sudden changes in temperature or cold winds that can cause adverse effects on the skin. We are all aware of the need to protect our skin in the summer, but in the winter, the precautions taken often diminish. During the winter months, it is just as important to keep the skin both hydrated and protected as in the summer.

One of the adverse effects on the skin in the colder months is dryness and dehydration. Our instant solution to this problem is loading on the heavy moisturizer for that instant relief. While the moisturizer is relieving to the skin temporarily, it’s still lacking Hyaluronic Acid (HA), a natural “water loving” molecule found in the skin. The lack of HA Hydration leads to rough, dry skin, along with fine lines and wrinkles. HA holds in moisture, keeping the skin healthy, resilient and supple, while also improving the overall epidermal health. Using a Hyaluronic Acid such as SkinMedica HA5 Rejuvenating Hydrator will help prevent the skin from becoming dry and dehydrated while delivering both immediate and long-term skin benefits.

Another negative effect on the skin in colder months is damage from the sun and other environmental factors, which can occur just as much as in the summer. It’s easy to automatically come to the conclusion that we don’t need to wear sunscreen during the winter since we don’t usually tend to feel that summer heat. The lack of UV protection leads to many signs of skin aging (photo damage), including rough texture, uneven skin tone, loss of firmness and elasticity, skin discoloration, lines, and wrinkles. The sun, both in the winter and in the summer, is to blame for a significant amount of environmental aging. Using a broad spectrum SPF sunscreen all year round, such as SkinMedica Essential Defense SPF 35 or SkinMedica Total Defense + Repair 34, will help protect and prevent the skin from those stubborn signs of aging.

It’s no question that the winter climate and cold winds cause adverse effects and changes to the skin. Staying on a good skin care regimen all throughout the year that includes hydration and UV protection will lead to healthier and younger looking skin.