Why Your Skin Becomes Dry, Tight and Wrinkly in the Winter
Before we move on to the “how,” let me explain why your skin behaves the way it does during winter.
The outermost layer of our skin is called the stratum corneum, and it’s the first line of defense against the environment. A healthy water content in the stratum corneum equals soft and smooth skin. When any of these two important components are disrupted, which normally happens during exposure to extreme temperature, your skin loses water and, consequently, becomes dry, flaky and wrinkled.
So how do we defend our skin during the harsh winter months?
Apply sunscreen.
No matter what season it is, its always important to wear your sunscreen. A broad spectrum sunblock with at least a true 30 SPF should always be worn. Many people do not know this but the sun reflects back up to 80 percent of the suns rays back onto you, so much more then sand or water. Just because it is cold out does not mean you will not get a sunburn.
Skip the soap.
Traditional soaps strip the skin of necessary oils and increase water loss and dryness. Instead, use gentle pH-balanced cleansers.
Be a moisturizer snob.
Not all moisturizers are created equal. To ensure you get the most out of your moisturizer, choose a product that contains humectant ingredients that draw moisture into the skin, like a super hyaluronic acid moisturizing cream. And drink lots of water.
Check your skin care products for hidden moisture zappers.
Your skin’s enemies may also be lurking in your other skin care products. Make sure they don’t contain added colors, synthetic fragrances and other ingredients that could potentially irritate and dry out your skin.
Keep your cool.
While there’s not much you can do about the weather, keep your skin happy by using a cool-mist humidifier indoors.