New Year, New Skincare Routine

Happy New Year! I hope you all had a wonderful holiday season and are feeling hopeful and motivated. This is the time of year when we all try to form new habits and improve certain aspects of our lives. It is a great time to discuss skin health. Winter can be harsh on your skin, especially for people who struggle with eczema, psoriasis or just have overall dryness or itching of the skin. Here are some easy ways to care for your skin during the cold winter months.

Tip #1:  Hydrate

It is so important to drink plenty of water during the winter months. Set a water goal for yourself each day, and aim to hit it. You can also put a humidifier in your bedroom and run it each night to improve the humidity of the room, which helps to prevent dryness and itching of the skin.

Tip #2: Cleanse & Moisturize Gently

Start a gentle skin care regimen, and make it part of your daily routine.  I recommend washing with a gentle cleanser in the shower and then applying a moisture cream to your entire body from the neck down. This should be applied right after bathing for optimal benefit.

Tip #3:  Focus on the Face

If you are experiencing dry skin on your face, you may need to make a few changes to your winter skin care routine. It can be helpful to use a heavier facial moisturizer than you use in the summer months. If you are using a daily retinol product, you can back off to using it every other night and incorporate something like a hyaluronic acid serum, which will both plump and hydrate your skin.

I hope these tips help keep your skin feeling great throughout the winter. Stay warm and cozy, and contact us with any of your skin care concerns.

Erin Bateman, PA-C, can be reached at Marshall Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery.  For appointments, call 304-691-8910.