Winter weather can be rough on your skin, especially if you are already prone to dry or flaky skin throughout the year. While there is no way to completely change your natural skin type, there are a few modifications you can implement in your daily skin care routine to diminish some of the harsh effects of winter weather.

Avoid hot showers, hot showers can stimulate further dehydration of your skin. Winter air already contains less moisture than other seasons, so it’s important to protect your skin’s natural oils.

In addition to changing your daily shower routine, you may want to reassess your daily skin care regimen. You may need to switch to a more emiolient moisturizer. Daily sunblock application is just as important in the winter as it is in the summer especially if you are hitting the slopes.

Hydration is important to the health of your skin year round, but don’t assume drinking liquids in excess will help your dry skin, according to Dr. Alicia Zalka, associate clinical professor of dermatology at Yale. If your skin is already very dry, these extra liquids may just evaporate instead of retaining moisture within the skin. It’s essential that you moisturize the outer layer of your skin so that you can retain moisture underneath the skin’s outer layer.

Finally, try your best to avoid consuming liquids that are known to dehydrate the skin. Alcoholic drinks as well as caffeinated beverages are especially damaging during dry winter months. These beverages should be consumed in moderation or eliminated altogether in order to reduce dry skin.

If you have incorporated the above suggestions and your skin is still dry, call your local Med Spa and book a hydrating facial with a microdermabrasion, or body scrub to give you back your glow.

Learn more about skin care treatments in New Haven.