Dealing With Dry Skin During the Winter

Montana is notorious for its dry air and cold winters. This does not do good things to our skin. The cold weather, dry heated air indoors, lack of humidity and brisk air can all be a major cause of irritated skin. Do not worry. Just because winter is here doesn’t mean you are doomed to dry skin. We have tips and tricks on how to keep your skin healthy and strong.

Moisturize Your Skin

This one is obvious because it’s the most important. During dry season you really can’t “over moisturize”. As soon as you shower, bath, or wash your face, be sure to lather your skin all over with some type of moisturizer that works best for your skin. Talk to your esthetician or visit our student salon for advice and recommendations on your skin.

Don’t Stray from Creams & Ointments

Lotions can irritate your skin if you don’t use the correct one for your skin type. Creams and ointments that contain oils such as olive oil or jojoba oil do not tend to cause any irritation. Shea butter also works wonders. When looking at creams and ointments, keep an eye out for the following:

• Lactic acid
• Urea
• Hyaluronic acid
• Dimethicone
• Glycerin
• Lanolin
• Mineral oil
• Petrolatum.

These ingredients will help soothe dry and irritated skin.

Your Water is Too Hot!

Listen, we get it. It’s cold outside and our showers are hotter than ever. The bad news is that all of that hot water is doing damage to your lovely skin. In an article on self.com, Joshua Zeichner M.D., director of cosmetic and clinical research in dermatology at Mount Sinai Medical Center is quoted as saying, “Excessive exposure to hot water can strip the skin of essential oils leading to irritation and inflammation.”
If you gotta treat yourself with a hot shower, keep it short and pat your skin dry as to not strip it of its natural oils.

Wear Your Gloves

Sorry to act like your mom here, but we do it because we care! It’s cold outside. Protect your hands from the harsh weather by wearing gloves while outside. “Wearing gloves isn’t cool, Mom!” You know what isn’t cool? Dry, cracked hands.

Stray From Scented

As sad as this may be, your scented soaps and lotions could be irritating your skin. During the winter switch to something more mild. Unscented soaps have all the cleansing power you need without any potentially irritating or skin-drying scent additives.

Moisture is Key

A humidifier in your room will do wonders for you. Adding moisture to the dry air will start to heal your dry skin. And of course keep up on your water intake. That stuff will heal you from the inside out.

Don’t Skip the Lips

Find a serum, balm, or night mask that works well for your lips. Your lips are very sensitive and need extra TLC during the winter.

Don’t Slack on Self-care

Living in Montana during the winter at times can be a challenge. But boy is it worth it! There isn’t any place we would rather be.
Come into our student salon to speak with one of our talented students about skincare! We also encourage you to book a revitalizing facial or massage for your winter blues.

All services provided by students under the supervision of licensed professionals.