What's the Best Winter Moisturizer? Not THIS One!

Looking for the best winter moisturizer? Even as residents of balmy Houston and its surroundings, we can still think about cold weather, especially with vacation looming and many of you will be heading off to ski vacations and, in some cases, sub-zero temperatures. For that reason, we wanted to share this very important winter weather warning. When the thermometer drops, the moisturizer you use could actually cause you to develop spider veins. Here’s what you need to know in order to stay safe.

The Danger of Cold Weather and Water-Based Moisturizer

When you go out in super-cold temperatures, your skin gets even more dry, red and flaky than it would on your typical winter day. So, your natural response would be to heap on more moisturizer. Sounds like a good idea, in theory, but only if you choose the right type of product.

According to celebrity facialist Joanna Czech, who shared her tips with In Style magazine, you can’t use a water-based moisturizer when temperatures dip below freezing. Why? Thanks to its water content, the cream could actually freeze in your pores once you step outdoors. And that could lead to a whole lot of problems.

As Czech explained, “Water freezes on the skin in sub-zero temperatures the same way it does in the freezer and it expands. And the same way that placing a glass filled with water in the freezer will break from expansion, in the skin, the expansion squeezes and breaks capillaries causing, permanent broken blood vessels (also referred to as spider veins)."

Choosing the Best Winter Moisturizer

So, what’s a better option when your skin is screaming for moisture but the temperatures just won’t rise? Opt for a thick, rich, oil-based moisturizer. This kind of formula has the added bonus of boosting your skin’s lipidic layer, so its existing moisture gets locked in and barred from escaping.

Of course, this freezing-action will only happen if the temperature falls below zero degrees AND you stay outside long enough for your core body temperature to drop (at which point, you’ll likely be facing bigger issues than spider veins.)

Still, oil-based formulas are more protective forms of hydration during the dry winter months. So, to help your skin hold on to its moisture, check for ingredients or seek out creams (oil-based) instead of ointments (water-based.) And here’s to our mild, humid Houston climate, where we rarely need to worry about dried out skin!

Additional Vein Care Tips

Even if you use the best winter moisturizer, other lifestyle factors can increase your risk for spider veins. If you sit or stand all day, or if you take a lot of long plane or road trips, the strain could increase your odds of developing vein disease. Furthermore, smoking, your diet and weight, or even just living sedentary can increase your risk.

Want to stay hydrated and keep your veins happy? Stay active, follow a vein-healthy diet, and schedule a consultationschedule a consultationschedule a consultation with our Houston vein care specialists to learn your risk for vein disease and take early, preventative measures to protect your long term health!