If you live in the Toronto area in winter, chances are your skin doesn’t see the light of day very often. Although we may have to put up with this seasonal drawback, our skin shouldn’t have to reflect any undesirable traits. This time of year is the perfect time to create a plan to keep your skin glowing all winter and beyond. Here are some useful tips for your skin health while you’re waiting for the summer sun.
Hydrate
Although drinking plenty of water may be a well-known tip to ensure a healthy lifestyle, it may be harder to remember when the temperatures are lower. You should hydrate year-round to ensure your skin is moist and full. Though it may be harder to remember to drink sufficient water during the colder months, make it a habit to drink at least 80 ounces daily, and your skin will reward you. Add fruit, cucumber slices or some lemon juice to flavor
Protect Your Skin
We tend to wear more clothing when it’s cooler, covering most of our bodies. But when it comes to our face and arms, if we fail to protect them with sunscreen, those dreaded UV rays can be more dangerous during this time of year. Apply sufficient amounts of protection before going outdoors, and remember, to reapply throughout the day.
Stock up on Vitamin E
Although we may watch what we eat to keep our waistline trim and shapely, do we provide our body enough nutrients to maintain healthy skin? Taking sufficient amounts of vitamin E through food intake or supplements will help your skin lock in moisture and avoid flaking. It’s important to remember that when the temperatures drop, so does the humidity, so keeping moisture in is essential to healthy skin. Many topical creams and ointments have a vitamin E additive to help supply your skin with this essential nutrient.
Moisturize Intelligently
If you use a skin moisturizer in the spring and summer, don’t stop for the winter months. Simply adjust your skincare routine accordingly; using a moisturizer that is an oil-based ointment will form a corrective barrier. This protection will hold moisture better than a water-based cream or lotion. Many of the moisturizers labeled “nighttime” are oil-based.
Chemical Peels or Microdermabrasion
For patients who want a more extensive solution to dull and tired skin, a chemical peel or microdermabrasion may be just what the doctor ordered. These facial treatments slough off the old superficial skin cells to make room for a new, fresh, underlying layer. It’s best to schedule a treatment during the winter in order to ensure you have a beautiful glowing complexion in time for those outdoor spring events.
Fractora Skin Rejuvenation
This laser treatment results in a smoother complexion and even skin tone via a moderately invasive series of treatments. Fractora is best completed during the winter months as patients are advised of one week of downtime and are discouraged from going out in direct sunlight for 2 weeks minimum.
ICLS also looks to employ their many other methods to resolve other common skin issues like scarring, wrinkles, and fine lines.
If you are looking to keep your skin healthy, or need help with its appearance during the winter months, ICLS Dermatology and Plastic Surgery can help. Call our office at 905.842.2262 Contact our office today for a consultation.