Do you find yourself experiencing dehydrated, itchy, and flakey skin during the winter? Then you are not alone. It is common for the skin to become dry during the cold and dry winter months, which is why we will be going over our top five tips for keeping skin hydrated in winter.

It is no secret that when the temperature drops during the winter, the humidity levels drop as well, leaving the air dry and cold, which leads to dehydrated and compromised skin. Due to exposure to the direct dry air, the skin needs to be balanced and healthy, so it is moisturized and hydrated daily. Follow along to learn a few tips to help solve the common winter skin issues we may face.

Skin tip #1 Exfoliate

Suppose the skin already feels dry and flakey. In that case, it is a good idea to remove the excess dead skin cells and any buildup with an exfoliating cleanser, an exfoliating mask, or an exfoliating chemical peel. This will ensure that your skin feels smoother and is ready to absorb any of the following products in your skincare routine.

Skin tip #2 Use a Gentle and Hydrating Cleanser

Avoid any harsh chemical cleansers that can dry out the skin, and opt for a more gentle and hydrating cleanser that won't strip the skin of its natural oils or further damage your skin. We recommend using either gel cleansers, oil balms, or cream cleansers as they help remove dirt, makeup, or impurities while helping restore and keep the natural oils in the skin.

Skin tip #3 Stay Hydrated

Ensuring you and your skin stay hydrated is very important, especially when battling dry winter skin. It is recommended to drink about eight glasses of water to keep the skin cells healthy and hydrated. Another way to keep the skin hydrated is by investing in a humidifier. A humidifier will not only help maintain moisture levels but will help ensure your skin looks and feels healthy. Humidifiers usually increase moisture levels by 30%, which will help balance out any moisture lost by the weather and heater.

Skin tip #4 Moisturize

Moisturizer is one of those products you can't miss in your skincare routine, yet it becomes incredibly beneficial during the winter as it helps replenish the lack of moisture absorbed by the skin. Also, keep in mind that heavier creams and ointments are recommended to use during winter as they tend to easily penetrate deeper into the skin to keep it plump and healthy. We recommend looking for these ingredients when choosing your moisturizer or ointment as they help with dry skin: jojoba oil, shea butter, and hyaluronic acid. We also suggest incorporating a serum or facial oil into your routine for an added boost of hydration and moisture to your winter skin.

Skin tip #5 Don’t Forget SPF

Just because it is cold outside, it doesn't mean you can skip out on the sunscreen! Even though it might not be as sunny or you may think you don't need to protect yourself from the sun because it is cold out, you still do! The sun's UVA and UVB rays always find a way to be present, which is why you need to keep your skin protected and wear SPF. The sun's rays also strip the skin of moisture, so using an SPF daily during the winter will also help keep your skin moisturized.

We hope you try out these skincare tips as they can help with common winter skin woes. However, if you are interested in learning more about your skin’s health or are experiencing severe skin conditions, please contact your dermatologist or esthetician for a more specific product and skincare recommendations. Are you an esthetician, dermatologist, or beautician interested in learning more about our skin analysis devices? Visit: www.progenprobe.com to learn more or email:  probe@progenglobal.com