What is National Winter Skin Relief Day?
National Winter Skin Relief Day on January 8 reminds us of all the ways we can shield our skin from being exposed to the harshest of elements as winter approaches. The amount of moisture in the air is reduced by lower temperatures outside and rising thermostats inside. Our skin is the first thing we notice.
Joshua Zeichner, MD, Director of Cosmetic & Clinical Research at The Mount Sinai Hospital, makes a few tips for keeping our skin moisturized through the winter.
Winter skincare tips
When the weather hits, avoid taking those long, hot showers. The heat destroys the skin's natural oils (called ceramides) and causes inflammation. The skin cells will expand, and when they dry, they will become loose like poorly grouted tiles and crack.
Rather, take shorter, lukewarm showers and use gentle cleansers. Harsh soaps with surfactants and claims of pH balance can be drying on the skin. And don't scrub! Be generous and let the water and lather do the dirty work.
