While winters in Boca Raton, Florida, hardly evoke images of bundled-up residents braving blizzards and shoveling sidewalks, there are 15- to 30-degree temperature changes, as well as drier air, that call for a little extra TLC when it comes to your skin. And this winter may see an especially marked difference — the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Climate Prediction Center has announced that a strong La Niña presence will bring in drier air to our area, which has a far greater impact on your skin than colder temperatures.
Since your skin stands between you and the outside world, adjusting your skincare routine to accommodate seasonal conditions goes a long way toward maintaining youthful, vibrant skin that glows from the inside out all year round.
As we head into the winter months, here are 6 great tips that will keep your skin in the pink of health.
During the summer, the humid Florida air reduces the need for heavy moisturizers, but when winter ushers in drier air, you might need to step in to ensure that your skin is getting the moisture it needs.
If you have naturally oily skin, it’s best to stick with light, water-based moisturizers that don’t clog your pores. If, however, you have normal or dry skin, winter is the time to ramp up your moisturizing efforts. During the day, you may still only need water-based moisturizers, but if you’re feeling any tightness in your skin, we suggest you turn to oil-based products that help attract and lock in moisture overnight. Look for products that contain:
By applying the lotion before you go to bed, you allow your skin to reap the full moisturizing benefits while you sleep.
While winter brings with it shorter days and a lower sun, it’s no time to let your sun protection efforts lapse — the winter sun can still damage your skin. Since we live in the Sunshine State and enjoy an average of 231 sunny days, residents of Boca Raton need to be especially vigilant about limiting their skin’s exposure to the sun, even in the winter.
To make your life easier, there are many products that do double duty in the form of moisturizers that contain SPF. At Dermatology of Boca, we recommend an SPF (sun protection factor) rating of at least 15 or higher for the best protection against harmful ultraviolet A and B rays, more commonly referred to as UVA and UVB rays. To give you an idea of what’s behind the numbers, lotions with SPF 15 block 93% of harmful UVB rays while SPF 30 blocks 97%.
Without the blazing summer heat causing us to sweat and lose water, we often forget about hydration since we’re not feeling as thirsty. Hydrating during the winter months, however, is as important as in summer, especially given the drier air. The old 8-and-8 rule of thumb (8 glasses of 8 ounces of water each) does the trick nicely, providing your skin with much-needed hydration.
While there are many products that help us moisturize our skin from the outside, at Dermatology of Boca we also recommend keeping your skin healthy through proper nutrition, especially throughout the winter. Look for foods that are antioxidant-rich to help keep your skin clear of damaging, not to mention aging, free radicals. Some great examples of antioxidant-rich foods are:
One of the best ways to moisturize your skin over the winter months is to apply your lotion while your skin is still wet, locking in the moisture. Whether you’re using an oil-based or water-based moisturizer, apply the lotion after your shower to take advantage of the water that’s present on your skin, effectively giving your skin a one-two hydration punch.
When it comes to washing your skin during the colder, drier months of winter, be sure to use gentle, non-abrasive cleansers. While proper cleansing is key to keeping your pores clear, over-scrubbing may dry out your skin by removing your skin’s best defense against the elements — your skin’s natural oils.
To learn more about winter skin care, call Dermatology of Boca to speak to one of our specialists.
