Winter is hard on the skin, and that goes even more for people who suffer from redness and rosacea. The cold and dry weather can wreak havoc on already sensitive skin.
Rosacea is a relatively common and progressive condition that causes redness, flushing, and viable blood vessels. Depending on the type, it can sometimes also cause acne. Rosacea can mean burning, itching, and irritation. We are not entirely sure of the mechanism that causes rosacea, but genetics and immune system reactions may play a role.
The dryer, colder weather can worsen rosacea. Even indoor heat can be dry and affect the skin. This can trigger rosacea and even affect those without rosacea but who also suffer from dry, red skin.
There are many ways to soothe winter skin at home. And if redness and rosacea persist, there are professional treatments to help.
Home Remedies for Winter Skin
There are some things you can do at home to help with dry, red skin. While these suggestions are good to keep in mind year-round, they are even more important in the winter!
Moisturize & Stay Hydrated
Replenishing the moisture in your skin is essential. Using a daily moisturizer can help. Choose gentle options without harsh fragrances and alcohol when it comes to moisturizers and other skincare products. In addition, make sure to drink plenty of water. While this is always good advice for your health, staying hydrated helps the skin from the inside out.
Avoid Excessive Heat
Super-hot drinks, sitting close to a fire, and cranking up the heat can all trigger flushed skin. Dry heat can exacerbate redness, just like dry cold weather. Sit a little further back from the fire and enjoy a warm – not piping hot – winter beverage.
Don’t Forgo Sunscreen
Just because you aren’t lounging by the pool in summer weather doesn’t mean you can skip sunscreen. The sun can trigger and worsen redness and rosacea, and that doesn’t stop just because it is cold outside. It is especially important while spending time outside when the ground is snow-covered as snow reflects the sun, like during winter sports.
Use a Humidifier
Using a humidifier when the air is dry can have many benefits, and better skin is one of them. By adding moisture to the air, your skin won’t become so dry and irritated. Of course, this can be true year-round, especially if you live in a dry climate. A humidifier can be a worthwhile investment to consider.
Professional Rosacea Treatment`
It is always a good idea to seek a professional opinion for your skin. If you suspect you have rosacea or if your dry, red skin is affecting your life, there may be ways to help. It is important to choose a specialist with a focus on dermatology as well as extensive experiences, like Radiance Skincare and Laser Medspa.
Laser Genesis
The Palomar RejuveLux™ IPL photofacial uses pulsed light energy to rejuvenate skin. This technology stimulates the production of collagen and treats a long list of aging-related issues and other skin concerns, including redness and rosacea.
Laser Skin Resurfacing
Laser skin resurfacing also uses light energy to break up hyperpigmentation and treat damaged skin while leaving healthy skin unaffected. The laser removes the outermost layer of the skin to make way for newer skin cells.
Chemical Peels
Chemical peels are a budget-friendly way to deeply exfoliate skin and stimulate tissue regeneration. They can have an effect on redness, inflammation, and acne with no downtime.
Living with redness and rosacea can be tough, especially in the winter. If you want to learn more about ways to help manage your difficult winter skin, make an appointment with one of our experts right away.