Local expert gives tips on how to protect your skin in the winter

HASTINGS, Neb. (KSNB) - Many people view skin care as a summer necessity, but it’s also necessary in the winter months.

Local experts said hydrating your skin is at the top of the list. There are many ways to do that, including facial mask creams, lotions, and exfoliating to remove dead skin. They said it’s also important to know your skin type.

“It kind of depends on what your skin is like,” said Ashley Gompert, Co-Owner of Urban Skin Lounge. “So, if you’re pretty dry I would use a thicker moisturizer, and if you’re oily I still would moisturize, just maybe not as thick of a moisturizer.”

Gompert said people should moisturize their skin twice a day, once in the morning and once at night. She also said a humidifier is a great tool to add for winter skin care because it helps every part of the body.

“The winter, it brings in all that dry air inside, so if add more humidity to it that’ll help your hair, your skin, everything,” said Gompert. “It just brings that moisture back into your room while you’re sleeping and helps your whole body.”

She also suggested bathing in warm water instead of hot because hot water will dry out your skin faster and not cleanse too much because it can remove the skin’s natural moisturizer barrier. She said there’s also an uncommon winter foe to keep in mind.

“The sun really is still harsh during the winter,” said Gompert. “So, using your sunscreen helps protect you against some of that. Also, with all that cold air blowing on you, that just dries out your skin even more, so that’s why I recommend using a thick moisturizer. It just helps prevent the dry air from drying you out.”

Gompert said Chapstick is good to have on hand for your lips because they are one of the first parts of the body to dry out in the winter. Now, if you’re looking for a quick way to get moisture into your skin, a facial mask is the way to go.

“The ingredients in the mask - they just help bring that moisture back into your skin, and it’s more of a quicker delivery of it I would say into your skin,” said Gompert. “It just really soaks up when you put the mask on.”

Some facial masks are quick ten-minute masks, and some are thick overnight masks, according to Gompert. In her opinion, the overnight masks are best for bringing in moisture and if you’re on a budget, she recommends the CeraVe moisturizer.

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