Summer and sun burns seem to hand in hand, but many people don’t associate winter with anything other than cold hand and chapped lips, but the truth is that good sun protection is just as important during the colder months as it is during the summer and spring. If you have a chronic skin condition, you may be already aware of the hassle that cold weather can present, but most people aren’t aware that not taking adequate care of your skin during the winter can lead to dry flaky skin and in turn fine lines and wrinkles and premature aging. Below are some tips to help you make sure you are taking care your skin as the temperature drops.

Sunscreen is Still Important

Granted, during the winter you probably wont be spending much time lounging on the beach in your swimsuit or sunbathing on your lawn, but just because its cold out does not mean that the sun is taking a vacation. Even when you are bundled up your face is still exposed to the harmful effects of UV rays. Yes the sunny days are shorter in the Winter, but they can still lead to early aging. As a tip before leaving in the morning make sure to apply sunscreen on your face and neck, depending on how much time you spend in the sun during the day you may need to reapply as directed by your preferred brand. Luckily several daily face moisturizers actually contain sun protection, make sure to check the label for an SPF number. Protecting your face is one of the best anti-aging measures you can take.

Winter Weather Can Affect Sensitive Skin Certain Chronic Skin Conditions

If you have a chronic skin condition, like psoriasis the dry weather of winter can wreck havoc on your skin. Even if you have sensitive skin it is important to take certain measures, so that you don’t have to deal with easily preventable irritation. The most basic rule to to make sure to moisturize, especially your face. If you live in an area with particularly cold winters, it is important to keep your face moisturized. It does not take long for cold weather to rob you of not just your body heat, but also your moisture. Many people focus on their lips, using balms to keep them from chapping, but your face and hands also require the same amount of attention. Use a face lotion that is light enough to be reapplied during the day, depending on how much time you spend exposed to elements.

Make Sure You Laundry Soap is Mild Enough for Your Skin

Another tip for those with sensitive skins and chronic skin conditions is to consider not only how often you launder your clothing, but also how and what you use to launder them. A good way to make sure you don’t end up with skin irritation is to make sure that your laundry detergent is mild enough for your sensitive skin. During the winter you will be wearing more clothing for a longer amount of time than during the warmer months which means that your skin will be in contact to the material and any subsequent chemicals used to clean or treat them. If your skin is getting itchy during winter, it might not only be the dry air it could be your clothing. Many assume that since we don’t sweat as much during the winter we can do laundry less, this is not necessarily true. It is important to follow the washing directions for your garments. in order to properly clean certain bacteria that could be problematic, you may need to wash certain items in warm or hot water, cold water might not do the job.

No winter does not have the same opportunities for glamor that summer may have, but in many ways the way that you take of your self during the colder months sets the tempo for when it gets warmer. Think of winter as an opportunity to maintain a healthy glow in preparation for your unveiling during Spring and summer. For more information about how you can maintain healthy skin during winter, consult a dermatologist.