Winter is full of cold, windy weather that can leave you feeling zapped of moisture. It can make skin itchy, dry, and irritated. If that wasn’t tough enough, even the things we enjoy in the winter can be bad for our skin. That hot shower that warmed you up, for example,  dried out your skin and stripped it of its natural oils. Luckily, there are a few solutions to keeping our skin healthy during the cold winter season. 

Wear comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing

While wool and rough clothing were once the go-to for locking in warmth, other, more modern techniques to dressing can be healthier for your skin. Wearing light base layers made of soft, breathable fabric underneath your heavier items is a great way to keep our skin healthy. Wearing gloves and mittens is essential when going outdoors. 

Change out of wet clothes after skiing, sledding, or outdoor activities

Wet clothing can further irritate your skin. If your gloves, socks, or pants are wet from outdoor activities, it’s important to remove them as soon as possible and get into dry, comfortable clothing. 

Limit shower temperatures and time

A long hot shower is very tempting, especially in the winter, but even a steamy shower has drawbacks. Skin tends to do better with a five-to-ten minute lukewarm shower or bath. If water is so hot that it causes the skin to turn red, it’s too hot and may cause dryness and irritation. 

Get a humidifier to maximize moisture

A humidifier in the home or bedroom helps add moisture to dry winter air and can help keep your skin hydrated. It also helps with breathing and air circulation, which is excellent for preventing any excess discomfort. 

Lower the thermostat

It’s so easy to want a nice warm and cozy home when it’s cold outside, but keeping the central heat in your house around 20°C to 22°C will help maintain healthy skin while still keeping you warm. 

Use gentle cleansers

RENUAdvanced® Gentle Foaming Cleanser helps cleanse impurities while toning and conditioning your skin. Regular bar soap often contains irritating ingredients with harsher fragrances that can make skin issues worsen or dry you out. 

Change up your skincare regimen 

During the winter months, it’s crucial to use toners and astringents sparingly as they tend to dry out your skin. Many products contain alcohol which tends to dry skin out the most. Using a rich moisturizer at night like RENUAdvanced® Ultra Replenishing Moisturizer can help lock in moisture and help your skin retain oils. Using RENU28® Revitalizing Redox Gel can help you avoid dry, cracked skin.

Moisturize your skin often, especially your hands

It’s important to maintain healthy skin by moisturizing after washing your hands. RENU28® Gel features redox signaling technology to temporarily ease, muscle discomfort, and help with training and recovery. It’s perfect for a day at the slopes. You can apply it before, during, and after your ski session to help lock in moisture and soothe aching muscles and skin surface cells. 

If you’re experiencing dryness, irritation, and extreme discomfort, it’s always best to consult with your physician to see what they can do to help. In severe cases, you may need a prescription-strength moisturizer to help combat the winter months and the drying effect the weather can have on your skin.