Spring is just around the corner and most people are getting ready to pack up the parkas and sweaters and bring out the t-shirts and flip flops. But there are some that are still hiding behind long sleeves and scarves and not feeling ready to “show some skin.” The long, harsh winters that come with Canadian living can cause a lot of skin issues for some people. Winter brings more than just your basic dry skin. Many people experience things like winter rash, flare-ups, redness on the face accompanied by dry patches and more. Don’t let the winter blues get to your skin too. Here are six common winter skin issues and how to beat them. 

Flare-ups of existing skin conditions

Winter isn’t only known for bringing on new skin issues, but it’s well known for causing flare-ups in those already living with certain skin conditions. People with Rosacea, for example, can suffer greatly during the winter months. The cold wind on your face, dry air outside and zero humidity inside the home can all cause Rosacea flare-ups. 

How to beat it: While there is no cure for Rosacea, you can take proper measures to reduce the effects, especially during the winter. Use a proper, gentle moisturizer every day, twice a day and bring some humidity back into your home with a good humidifier. Talk to your local skincare professionals for possible treatments like IPL Photofacials to help battle skin conditions like Rosacea. 

Winter Rash

One of the most common skin issues during the snowy season is “winter rash.” Those who develop this skin condition will experience dry, itchy, red, flaky skin, usually on the hands and arms. Depending on the severity of the dry skin, some people may also have cracked skin on their palms or around their nails and the sides of their fingers. When the skin begins to crack, it can become quite sore. 

How to beat it: Keep your hands covered at all times when outside. Use a good, fragrance-free moisturizer and use it often. Use rubber gloves when cleaning or washing dishes and avoid hot water in the shower. 

Age spots, freckles & brown spots

As your beautiful summer glow disappears in the winter months, age spots and freckles/brown spots may become more noticeable on your skin, mainly on the face, chest and the back of the hands. While age spots don’t necessarily cause issues, most people are happy to have them cleared up. 

How to beat it: Get back to that spot-free, healthier skin with the proper type of skin treatment. There are topical products, chemical peels and light therapy treatments available for these types of skin issues. Ask your local skincare professionals what might work best for you. 

Sunburn & windburn

Many people forget that even though the temperature drops below freezing, the sun’s UV rays still remain high. On bright, sunny, winter days, when you hit the slopes or head out for a walk, most people are not wearing proper UV skin protection. Sunburns are almost more common on the face, chest & neck in the winter because people don’t even realize the sun’s rays are just as strong when it’s cold out. Windburn can also cause redness, soreness and dry patches on the face.

How to beat it: Bust out the beach bag and find your sunscreen. If you’re outside on sunny winter days, you should still be applying a good sunscreen to any exposed skin. You should also invest in a good daily moisturizer that has SPF protection and use it all year long. It doesn’t matter the season, if the sun is shining, your skin needs to be protected from the harmful UV rays. To battle the sore cheeks that come with windburn, invest in a warm scarf or wear a balaclava to protect your skin from the elements. 

Dry, flakey scalp

The winter air doesn’t discriminate when it comes to skin issues. Many people experience dry skin everywhere, including their scalp. The total lack of moisture in the air outside, the dry air inside your home from a constant running furnace and taking hotter showers can all contribute to scalp itchiness, dryness and flaking in the winter. 

How to beat it: Keep a good anti-dandruff shampoo on hand and try switching up the shampoos you use daily. When you wash your hair, try using more lukewarm water (over hot) as this contributes to losing natural moisturizing oils in the skin. You can also try some at-home scalp treatments with warm coconut or avocado oils or apple cider vinegar. Apply one of these products directly to the scalp, massage in and let sit for a couple of hours and wash your hair as you normally would. 

Red, dry patches on the face

Long, cold winters are not really the skin’s closest friend. Most skin issues caused by the cold, snow and wind are not serious issues, however, most are uncomfortable, annoying and can be dealt with. If the winter has brought some serious dryness to your face, leaving you with redness or even sore skin, try some of these easy solutions to bring back that healthy skin glow. 

How to beat it: Start by using a good moisturizer every day. Shower in warm water, not hot, to prevent ridding the skin of important natural oils and as mentioned before, invest in a good humidifier to bring some moisture back to the air in your home. Proper water consumption and diet also play a vital role in beating winter skin. 

Bring your skin back to life before the spring

If you’re just tired of dealing with tired, dry, winter skin, book a consultation with the team at Ageless Living Cold Lake and find out how we can bring your skin back to life and bring back that glow. We offer a series of products and medical-grade treatments that can help you beat your battle with winter skin blues. Contact us today to book!