Winter may be drawing to a close, but the effects of the cold temperatures on our skin may stick with us well into spring if we don’t take action now. The bitter cold of winter, combined with forced heat indoors, leads to skin dryness, irritation and other issues that leave our complexions looking dull and tired. Now is the time to revive that worn winter skin so you will be ready to greet spring in style. Check out these tips from Dr. Andrews Plastic, Cosmetic & Reconstructive Surgery to whip your skin into shape before spring arrives.
Hydration
Few things are more important to the skin in the winter months than hydration. The cold weather season strips the skin of natural moisture, leading to dryness and irritation. Restore moisture with hydrating products rich in ingredients like hyaluronic acid. If you have not done so already, switch out your cleansing soaps with rich emollients and add a moisturizer to your daily routine at least twice a day.
If your skin still seems dry, try a steam treatment followed by application of a rich moisturizer while the skin is still damp. Ask your plastic surgeon about medical-grade formulations that effectively penetrate the surface of the skin to deliver hydration where the layers of the dermis need it most. These products also offer higher concentrations of active ingredients to give your suffering skin all the substances necessary to keep it looking its best throughout the season.
Exfoliation
Winter skin often consists of dead dry cells on the surface of the skin that contribute to the dull appearance. Say goodbye to those superfluous cells so your inner radiance can shine through. Exfoliation is important any time of the year, but especially during the winter months when those outer skin cells really take a beating.
Exfoliation can be as easy as switching up your cleanser to one with exfoliating ingredients like salt or sugar. You can also add an exfoliating formulation containing glycolic acid or another ingredient that effectively removes outer skin layers. Professional treatments like chemical peels or laser skin rejuvenation that remove even more layers of skin can also be helpful this time of year.
Protection
The temperatures may be chilly, but those UV rays from the sun can still get through and cause significant damage to your skin. This is not the season to slack off on your sun protection. Take a few minutes every morning to apply a skin product with at least SPF 30 and keep your skin protected the whole year through. You can even switch up your normal product with one that offers extra moisturizing to give your skin a healthy dose of hydration and protection at the same time.
Professional Treatments
Winter is the perfect time of year to schedule that professional cosmetic treatment you have been putting off. Medical grade skin care, injectable treatments or other procedures can give your skin the seasonal boost it needs to get ready for the warm weather ahead. At Dr. Andrews Plastic, Cosmetic & Reconstructive Surgery, we offer a variety of non-surgical rejuvenation treatments, as well as surgical solutions for many aesthetic concerns.
Get ready for the upcoming season by kissing dull winter skin goodbye and embracing a fresh look for spring. To learn more about your options in professional treatments, contact Dr. Andrews Plastic, Cosmetic & Reconstructive Surgery at 319-800-6877.
