Winter in Alberta is beautiful—snow-capped mountains, cozy fires, and the kind of crisp air that makes everything feel fresh. But let’s be real: it’s tough on your skin. The dry, cold air combined with indoor heating can leave your skin feeling like it’s been through a battle. Red, dry, irritated patches? Yup, we’ve all been there.
But don't worry! With the right care, you can keep your skin glowing and healthy all winter long. Let’s dive into some simple ways to protect your skin from Alberta’s harsh winter weather.
If you’ve lived in Alberta for even a season, you know how quickly the cold and dry air can suck the moisture out of your skin. The winter wind can leave your face feeling tight and chapped, while indoor heating strips away even more moisture, leaving your skin parched. Add in the fact that we’re often bundled up in layers of clothes and scarves, and it can be hard for your skin to breathe!
So, what’s going on? The dry air means less humidity in the environment, which in turn means your skin is not able to retain moisture like it does in more humid climates. Over time, this can lead to dryness, irritation, and even cracking.
Skincare Tips for Alberta Winters
Now that we know why winter skin gets so tricky, let’s talk about how to keep it happy and healthy. These tips are easy to follow and can make a world of difference:
Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate It’s not just about drinking water (although, yes, stay hydrated!)—your skin needs moisture from the outside too. Look for a rich, hydrating moisturizer that’s formulated to lock in moisture. A heavier cream is perfect for nighttime, and a lighter moisturizer is great during the day. As well, hyaluronic acid is a great addition to any skin care routine to enable the body to retain more hydration.
Use a Humidifier Indoor heating can dry out the air, which dries out your skin. A humidifier can help bring some much-needed moisture back into the air, keeping your skin from getting too dry overnight. Add in a little essential oil like lavender or sandalwood not only helps you relax, but also aides the skin.
Don’t Skip Sunscreen Even though the sun might seem far away in winter, it’s still there—especially when you’re dealing with snow that reflects the UV rays right back at you. A broad-spectrum SPF is key, even in the colder months. Apply it daily to keep your skin protected. Colorescience not only has you covered in the SPF department, but they also have ingredients that hydrate the skin even during the toughest winter weather.
Gentle Exfoliation Winter skin can get flaky, but over-exfoliating can make things worse. A gentle exfoliator once a week will help remove dead skin cells and allow your moisturizer to work more effectively. DERMed micro crystal polish is a beautiful exfoliator that not that is not only effect, but gentle enough for the most sensitive skin.
Don’t Forget About Your Lips and Hands Dry lips and cracked hands are common in winter, but they’re also preventable. Keep a lip balm and hand cream on hand (pun intended!) to protect these sensitive areas from the elements.
Common Winter Skin Concerns in Alberta
The cold and dry conditions of Alberta winters can lead to a few specific skin issues:
Dryness and Tightness: When your skin doesn’t get the moisture it needs, it can feel tight and uncomfortable. The best defense? A heavy-duty moisturizer and regular hydration. Not all moisturizers are created equal.
Redness and Irritation: If your skin is exposed to harsh winds, it can become inflamed, leading to redness or even windburn. Try DERMed’s soothing moisturizer, to calm irritated skin.
Chapped Lips and Cracked Hands: These are the classic winter woes. Keep a thick lip balm and nourishing hand cream in your bag to protect these areas from cracking.
Reflections Health Spa is Here to Help!
If you’re looking to take your winter skincare to the next level, Reflections Health Spa is the perfect place to get professional help. Whether you're dealing with stubborn dry skin, looking to relax and unwind, or just want to give your skin the pampering it deserves, they offer a range of treatments to keep your skin healthy and glowing all season long.
From rejuvenating facials and body treatments to infrared sauna sessions and LED light therapy, Reflections has everything you need to nourish your skin and keep it looking its best. They also offer a selection of high-quality skincare products and supplements to help you maintain your skin's health at home, even during the toughest winter months.
With these tips in your skincare arsenal, you’ll be well on your way to enjoying the winter months without worrying about dry, irritated skin. Just remember: your skin is just like you—it needs a little extra TLC to get through Alberta’s cold, dry season!
Comments