The Cold, dry weather during winter months can really cause irritation, discomfort… and can age the skin if proper care isn’t taken. You invest in your skin with cosmetic surgery and non invasive procedures, so it is important to take extra care of your skin, when the weather is extreme, to help those age defying effects last. The following tips can help:

Conserve Moisture
There are many habits that can strip out the moisture from your skin. This dryness can be painful, itchy and contributes to skin-aging by stripping moisture. Work on replenishing lost moisture using these few simple steps:

AVOID
1) Taking hot showers or baths because this removes the natural lubrication and oil on the skin. Yes, hot showers feel good after coming in from the cold…but try to keep showers short and not too hot.
2)  Cleansers and toners, often contain harsh ingredients that strips your skin of natural oil. Real sudsy cleansers usually have a surfactant like sodium laurel sulfate – and the acetone in many toners can be too harsh along with already dry conditions. DO – Use mild cream or gel cleansers and toner with no alcohol this time of year.
3)  Sipping hot coffee and tea is so comforting when it’s cold out, but beware the dehydrating effects they can have. Most people only think to drink lots of water when they’re sweating and hot, but cold, windy air can can be just as dehydrating for your skin. So, drink lots of pure water everyday!

Moisture Reinforcement
Avoid certain drying habits, and be on the offense to add the extra help your skin needs this time of year.

Here are some ways to add moisture to your skin:
– Running the heat in a home strips the air of any moisture – counter this by adding a little water vapor back to your home’s air with a humidifier.
– Diligently use moisturizer morning and night. Never miss moisturizing your face and hands since they’re exposed to the elements the most, but don’t neglect the rest of your body.
– Exfoliate gently to remove the dull dead skin that builds up

– moisturize that fresh new skin to keep it healthy and glowing.
– Continue using sunscreen. Snow can actually reflect up to 80 percent UV rays. you can skill get a sunburn in the winter.
– Eat foods that encourage your skin to retain and build healthy moisture – e.g. rich in essential fatty acids like salmon and  “healthy fats” found in avocados and coconut oil.

– Use medical grade SkinMedica, to effectively address many skin issues  Stop by our office or visit our website www.davinciplastic.com to learn more.

Steven Davison M.D.

Board Certified Plastic/Reconstructive Surgeon