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The Heat Is...OFF! 4 Tips to Care for Your Skin During the Winter
The temperature outside may be falling, but the need to give your skin the proper care is still at an all-time high. Here are 4 tips to help your skin win the battle against Jack Frost.
Exfoliate
Cold weather brings low humidity and high winds that strips your skin of its natural moisture, leaving your skin dry and- over time- thickened and rough. To rid your skin of those excess, unwanted layers, exfoliate your skin 3 to 4 times WEEKLY. You always want to make sure to exfoliate on wet skin (particularly after soaking, bathing, or showering) to prevent causing further damage to your skin.
Moisturize
Once you remove the skin you don't want, the next step is to nourish the skin that you do want. To make your skin go from rough and scaly to supple and smooth, moisturize your skin 2 to 3 times DAILY- giving priority to the areas that are in direct exposure to the cold.
Sunscreen
Yep, you read right! Sunscreen shields you from sun's harmful ultraviolet rays that are problematic, EVEN during the winter months. A minimum SPF of 15 should be used and applied to sun-exposed skin 30 minutes before going outdoors and RE-applied every 1 to 2 hours. Hitting the slopes this winter? Then you should "up" your SPF to 30. High altitudes puts you closer to the sun, making the sun rays even more damaging to the skin.
What the foot !?!
Socks
Avoid wearing cotton socks in freezing cold temperatures. Instead, look for socks made of synthetic materials (nylon, special polyesters, etc.) to wick away excess moisture and alleviate chilled tootsies. To learn more, check out Jack Frost Nipping at Your...Toes.
Putting your best FEET forward,
SH
Pssst! Your Epidermis is Showing (Winter Edition)
Coat...check! Hat and gloves...check! Scarf...check! But did you grab your sunscreen? That's right! See why applying sunscreen is a must, even when it's cold outside.
Apply sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 15. Even when temps turn frigid, sun rays are still strong enough to be harmful against your skin. That's why it's always best to apply sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 15. The combination of cool weather and high altitudes can put you at an even greater risk for sun damaged skin by greater than 10%. In this case, you should look for sunscreen with a SPF of 30.
Make sure all exposed skin is exposed. Even as you bundle up in layers and layers to stay warm, chances are there is still one part of your body that is still exposed...your face! Make sure to cover your face- and any other exposed skin- before braving the sun and the cold. Remember, it takes 15 minutes for your skin to fully absorb sunscreen and it should be applied at least 30 minutes before going outdoors, for maximum protection.
Reapply. Be sure to always reapply your sunscreen every 1-2 hours. Excessive sweating or engaging in outdoor activities may require more frequent applications.
Lastly, be sure that your sunscreen of choice is marked "broad spectrum" and "water resistant." Also, inspect your skin regularly for any potential changes, such as moles and lesions. If you suspect any changes, report to your physician immediately
Learn more about the importance of sunscreen HERE!
Putting your best FEET forward,
SH
Sandal Season Survival Series TIP #2: Pssst! Your Epidermis Is Showing
Wanna REALLY get sandal season into full swing?...Then sunscreen is an absolute must-have to keep in your arsenal to survive the summer safely. The face, back, arms and legs are all the craze when it comes to applying sunscreen, but it’s also a very good idea to slather the tootsies to protect them from the harmful sun rays. To protect your feet from the sun:
• Apply sunscreen with a minimum Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of 30. You want to lookout for sunscreens that are labeled “water-resistant” and “broad spectrum” that hold up against water exposure and protect you from both UVB (contributes to melanoma) and UVA (causes skin damage) rays.
• Sunscreen should be applied at least 30 minutes prior to going outdoors. It takes approximately 15 minutes for your skin to fully absorb the sunscreen you apply. If you wait until you are outside to apply, you run the harmful risk of your skin becoming scorched by the sun.
• Make sure ALL exposed skin is protected. Wearing sandals means your feet are largely uncovered. That makes your feet very susceptible to sun’s harmful rays. Take care to apply sunscreen to the tops & soles of the feet. Don’t forget between the toes! It is a common hideout spot for melanoma of the feet that should NEVER go unnoticed! With creams you always want to be careful when applying between the toes however. Do not place too much cream in between the toes to prevent any macerations (breakdown) of the skin.
• Reapply! Just because you applied sunscreen before going outdoors does not mean you’re fully protected. You should always reapply sunscreen every 1-2 hours while frolicking in the sun. Certain factors such as water exposure, excessive sweating, and individuals with reduced skin pigmentation may require more frequent reapplications.
No matter if it’s the summertime or any other time of the year, ALWAYS inspect your skin for any potential changes, paying very close attention to any moles or lesions that may be present. If you suspect any changes in your skin, report to your physician immediately!
Tip #3 on the way…
Putting your best FEET forward,
SH
Frost BITES!
FOOT FACT:
9 out of 10 cases of frostbite in adults occur in the hands & feet (feet being the most common). Prolonged exposure to frigid temperatures can halt blood flow to your extremities, depriving them of oxygen, leading to nerve and tissue damage. Warning signs include: numbness, red to bluish-grey discoloration of the affected area, and “waxy” skin appearance. Skin that is not properly protected from subzero temperatures and intense windchills can fall victim to frostbite in just 10 minutes! It is a good idea to always bundle up with the proper attire to protect yourself before battling the elements. And remember…NO COTTON SOCKS!!
Putting you best FEET forward,
SH
Swell No!!
FOOT FACT:
Listen up diabetics and the elderly!! Teeth-chattering cold temps during the winter months can often result in a drop in our activity levels. These factors can contribute to reduced blood circulation (especially in our legs & feet), leading to increased swelling of the ankles & feet. It is always important to maintain a healthy, routine activity level year-round. Cabin fever? Just say NO!!
Putting you best FEET forward,
SH
Jack Frost Nipping at Your…Toes?
FOOT FACT:
Avoid wearing cotton socks in frigid cold temperatures! Cotton socks absorb the sweat from your feet and with cold temps, cools the sweat, making your tootsies even more chiilled. Instead, look for socks made of synthetic materials (nylon, special polyesters, etc) to keep your feet on the go!
Putting you best FEET forward,
SH
