Winter is Here: How to Protect Your Skin and Hair from the Chill!

Winter in New Orleans may not bring snow, but the cool air and lower humidity can still wreak havoc on your skin and hair. As a Board Certified Dermatologist serving our vibrant NOLA community, Dr. Lauren Payne knows first hand how seasonal changes affect skin and hair hydration. Here’s how to keep your skin glowing and your hair thriving this winter!

1. Swap Your Cleanser

That foamy wash you love in the summer? It might be stripping your skin now. Instead, choose a more gentle, hydrating cleanser like CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser or La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Cleanser to lock in moisture this winter.

2. Upgrade Your Moisturizer

Go for richer creams like Cetaphil Rich Hydrating Cream, Aveeno Oat Calming Moisturizer, Eucerin Advanced Repair Cream, or La Roche Posay Lipikar Cream, that absorb and hold moisture within the skin. For those with melanin-rich skin, ingredients including squalene, shea butter, and ceramides are your best friends.

3. Don’t Skip Sunscreen

Yes, even in winter! Protect against UV damage and hyperpigmentation with or EltaMD UV Clear Tinted SPF 46 or La Roche Posay Anti-Helios SPF 70+ sunscreen—hydration and sun protection in one EVERYDAY!

4. Deep Condition Hair Weekly

Hair feeling dry? Treat it with deep conditioners like SheaMoisture Manuka Honey & Mafura Oil Intensive Hydration Masque or Olaplex No. 8 Bond Intense Moisture Mask. Bonus: Cut back on heat styling to prevent breakage. For extra hydration, steam your strands for 10-15 minutes while the deep conditioner or mask is on your hair to allow it to penetrate the cuticle in the hair strands. 

5. Humidify Your Space

Combat dry indoor air in your home or apartment with a humidifier. Your skin and curls will thank you!

6. Shower Smarter

Long, hot showers may feel heavenly, but they strip your skin and hair of natural oils. Stick to lukewarm water, max 10-12 minutes, and finish with a cream based body moisturizer like Cetaphil or CeraVe moisturizing cream or Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Cream while your skin is damp. If you are still dry, consider applying a second petroleum based layer, such as Cerave Healing Ointment or Aquaphor ointment to seal and lock in the moisture!

7. Stay Hydrated Inside Out

In addition to applying the best products to your skin to stay hydrated, it’s also important to drink plenty of water and load up on omega-3-rich foods like salmon and walnuts to keep your skin and scalp nourished from the inside out!

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Your Winter Glow Starts Here!

For personalized skincare and haircare solutions, schedule a consultation with Dr. Lauren Payne, Board Certified Dermatologist, at Flourish Dermatology and Aesthetics in New Orleans, Louisiana. Let’s keep NOLA glowing and FLOURISHING, one face and one strand at a time!

Call us at (504) 434-2319 or email us at [email protected] today!