6 Ways to Prepare Your Skin for Harsh NYC Winters

If you’ve lived through an NYC winter, you know that harsh weather is right around the corner. Your skin has to endure a lot—wind whips around the buildings, and the air hurts your face. Your skincare routine should change with every season, but it’s extra necessary that you prepare your skin for winter (because it’s the most brutal). 

Our medspa focuses on laser hair removal, but our primary goal is to ensure you maintain healthy skin that makes you feel confident every day of the year. Here are five ways to prep your skin for the upcoming harsh winter in NYC: 

Invest in a good moisturizer and use it every day, especially after you shower

The most essential skin care product in your routine should be a good moisturizer—it will help you achieve and maintain clear, healthy skin throughout the winter. Moisturizers help to lock in water and keep the skin hydrated, which is essential for cell turnover and growth.

The benefits don’t end there: moisturizers also help protect the skin from environmental damage, such as air pollution. It’s no secret that there’s air pollution in NYC; the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene found several pollutants in the city's air considered to be “harmful.”

We recommend investing in a moisturizer tailored to your skin type and using it daily (especially after you shower). By taking this simple step, you can help ensure that your skin stays healthy and radiant all year long. 

Drink plenty of water to keep your skin hydrated from the inside out

Most people know it's important to drink plenty of water for their overall health, but did you know it's also essential for keeping your skin hydrated? Your skin is your body's largest organ, and just like the rest of your organs, it needs to be adequately hydrated to function properly. 

Your body is made up of 60% water, so it's no surprise that water is crucial for maintaining healthy skin. Skin cells rely on water to stay plump and hydrated, so when you're dehydrated, your skin cells will shrink and become less efficient at performing their functions. If you want to keep your skin looking its best this winter, make sure to drink plenty of water every day! 

Not drinking enough water can cause your skin to become dry, flaky, and dull-looking. In extreme cases, dehydration can even lead to fine lines and wrinkles! 

Wear sunscreen, even when it’s cold outside

Many people believe they only need to wear sunscreen when it's sunny and hot outside. However, it's important to remember that the sun's harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays can penetrate clouds and cause damage on even the coldest of days. UV exposure is a leading cause of skin cancer, so it's essential to take steps to protect yourself year-round. Wearing sunscreen is one of the easiest and most effective ways to do this!

It's important to choose a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 and reapply it every few hours. You should wear sunscreen every day to protect your skin’s health—it doesn’t matter what season it is! 

Eat foods that are high in antioxidants, like fruits and vegetables

The secret to healthy skin might lie in a person’s diet. You can enhance your skin health by eating foods high in antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids, omega-6 fatty acids, and vitamin E. These substances help to remove harmful molecules known as free radicals, which can damage cells and lead to inflammation. Here are some foods that will benefit your skin: 

• Almonds
• Avocado 
• Olive oil
• Green tea
• Fatty fish
• Sweet potato 
• Broccoli 
• And tomatoes! 
  
  

  Avoid hot showers and baths, which can dry out your skin 

Hot water feels great on a cold winter day, but it’s not beneficial for your skin. Exposing your skin to hot water can strip away the natural oils that protect it from the elements. This can leave your skin feeling dry, tight, and itchy.  

Board-certified New York City dermatologist Shari Marchbein says, "Any skin condition characterized by a defective skin barrier can be worsened by a hot shower. [It] strips the skin of sebum, the healthy fats and oils necessary for skin health, and dehydrates the skin."

If you have sensitive skin, you may also find that hot water irritates and worsens existing skin conditions (like eczema). When you’re tempted to take a steaming hot shower or bath this winter, remember that it’s better to stick with lukewarm water. Your skin will thank you for it in the long run! 

If you have dry skin, consider using a humidifier to add moisture to the air

Winter is tough on everyone’s skin—but this is especially for those who suffer from dryness! The cold, dry air outside can strip away moisture, and indoor heating can worsen the problem. Fortunately, there is a simple solution: using a humidifier to add moisture to the air. By increasing the humidity levels in your home, you can help to ease dryness and irritation. 

Humidifiers are great for the skin, but they’re helpful in other areas too! Place a humidifier in your home to help to prevent static electricity and reduce the spread of viruses. If you notice you’re struggling with dry skin this winter, consider investing in a humidifier. It may be the key to keeping your skin healthy and happy!