Winter Skin Protection

While the sight of the season's first snowflakes may not inspire many to break out the sunscreen, it's just as important - if not more so - to take care of your skin during the winter months as you would in the summer.


The Sun Isn't as Strong, So I Don't Need to Wear Sunscreen.

People tend to apply sunscreen more regularly in the warmer months because they spend more time outdoors, but don't rule out the power of the sun in the winter - especially around snow.

Just like with water, sunlight reflecting off snow can amplify your exposure to UV rays.

Continue to wear sunscreen on exposed body parts throughout the winter and especially if you participate in winter sports such as skiing.



I'm Not As Thirsty in the Winter, So I Don't Need to Drink As Much Water.

Drinking water is the single most important fuel to keep our skin looking healthy and vibrant.

In the summer we are more aware of losing liquids because we can physically see when we are sweating, but in the winter, there's not a lot of moisture in the air. What people don't realize is that in very low humidity people loose moisture and dehydrate directly out of their skin.

Even the dry, hot air we come in contact with throughout the season in heated buildings and homes can cause flaky, dry skin.

It's important to keep skin moisturized with creams and topical ointments that contain antioxidants. Products containing green tea extract or grape seed extract are high in skin healthy antioxidants as are products rich in Vitamins A, C, and E.



Is There Anything I Can Eat That Will Benefit My Skin?

Foods that are rich in antioxidants are not only good for your general health, but can also play a role in maintaining your healthy skin.

Dark chocolate, berries, red wine (in moderation) and green leafy veggies are all great options for increasing the level of antioxidants in your diet.

Good fats such as mono unsaturated fatty acids which are found in olive oil, nuts and avocados are also good for skin health.



I Don't Want to Think About Laser Hair Removal in the Winter.

The thought of wearing a bikini may be months away, however, if you are considering having laser hair removal treatments it's important to note that laser and light treatments are not safe on tanned skin.

Since it takes a few treatments to start realizing results, the winter months are actually an optimal time to start treatments.

Courtesy: Patty Day, American Laser Centers in Grandville