How to fix dry winter skin
Winter is the worst. Not only is the weather cold and dreary, but your skin becomes super dry as a result! Luckily, there’s a lot you can do to keep your skin looking dewy and radiant no matter the season. Here are 10 expert tips to fix dry winter skin instantly:
1. Use creams instead of lotions
Body moisturizers that are creams tend to be thicker than body moisturizers that are labeled as lotions, and they usually contain more oil than water content. This means creams are more hydrating than lotions. Look for body moisturizers in jars rather than in pumps. More often than not, heavier moisturizers come in jars and tubes instead of pumps because their formulas are too thick.
2. Add coconut oil to your daily routine
Coconut oil is excellent for both your body and hair. But, if you’re prone to breakouts or have sensitive skin, then you should use argan oil instead. Using an oil of some kind every day on your skin will ultra-hydrate it, reducing flakiness.
3. Take an oatmeal bath
If your skin is inflamed and itchy, grind up some oatmeal and add it to your bath. The oatmeal will help soothe irritated, flaky skin. Always follow up with a moisturizer.
4. Exfoliate your skin
During the wintertime, you’ll need to physically exfoliate your skin to remove dead skin cells that result in dry, flaky skin. While showering, use a washcloth in circular motions to gently exfoliate away dry patches.
5. Avoid harsh cleansers
Toss any face washes that contain drying ingredients, such as fragrances or additives. Instead, look for facial cleansers that are formulated with soothing ingredients like chamomile or oatmeal.
6. Invest in a humidifier
Central heating systems circulate hot, dry air indoors that dry out skin. But, humidifiers restore moisture in the air, which helps prevent your skin from drying out. Place a humidifier in your bedroom, and run it on full blast while you sleep.
7. Bathe in lukewarm water
You should never bathe in super hot water, which breaks down the lipid barriers in the skin, leading to a loss of moisture. Instead, only use lukewarm water and bathe for shorter periods, both of which will help to preserve moisture in the skin.
8. Hydrate daily
Not only do you need to hydrate the skin using creams, but you also need to keep your body hydrated from the inside out. This means drinking at least half your body weight in ounces of water per day. Hydrating with water will ensure your skin remains subtle.
9. Apply moisturizing facial masks
You can easily make your own DIY ultra-hydrating facial masks at home by using ingredients such as bananas, aloe, yogurt, avocados, honey, and olive oil. Mix any of these ingredients to form a paste, and then apply it to your skin for a half hour for lasting hydration.
10. Treat hands with glycerin
Hands tend to get dried out quickly in the winter from overwashing and being exposed to the elements. That’s why you want to moisturize hands using glycerin. It’s a humectant that draws water from the air into the skin’s outer layer, serving as a protective layer to prevent moisture loss.
Silky smooth skin year-round
You don’t have to suffer from flaky, itchy, and dull skin during the winter. By switching up your skincare routine, you can easily maintain soft, hydrated skin year-round. All it comes down to is selecting the right skincare products, using lukewarm water, and cranking up a humidifier. Here’s to gorgeous, healthy skin around the clock!
References
- “11 Hacks for Saving Your Skin in the Winter,” Cosmopolitan, November 1, 2017.
- “6 Quick Winter Skin Fixes,” Shape, n.d.
- “10 Winter Skin Care Tips,” WebMD, n.d.
