Winter is here. With it comes harsh weather that can wreak havoc on your skin. You might notice your skin becomes dull, dry, and flaky during the winter months. Why? Because winter weather sucks the natural moisture from your
1. Moisturize, moisturize, moisturize…
Because skin loses its natural moisture in winter, it’s crucial that you moisturize more frequently. You’ll want to use an ointment moisturizer that’s oil-based. This will help protect your skin and seal in moisture. With face creams, you’ll want to look for ingredients that are non-clogging, such as avocado oil, almond oil, and primrose oil. Hand creams should be ultra-emollient. Look for formulas containing shea butter and coconut oil.
2. Help your hands
Hands easily crack and dry out in winter. This is because they are exposed to extreme temperatures. To protect your hands, wear gloves whenever you go outside. What’s more, wash hands in lukewarm water, and moisturize them several times a day using an ultra-emollient hand cream.
3. Drink up
It’s easy to become dehydrated during the winter months. But drinking enough liquids is essential to maintaining healthy, hydrated skin. You should aim to drink at least eight 8-ounce glasses of water throughout the day.
4. Exfoliate
Since skin becomes dry and flaky in winter, it’s important to exfoliate on a regular basis. This helps to rid skin of dead cells. Be sure to exfoliate your face, hands, and lips at least one-to-two times per week using a scrub. Follow up with an oil-based moisturizer.
5. Switch up your cleanser
Your skin’s needs change based on the season. While you might use a salicylic acid cleanser during summer, this is too harsh to use in winter. Find a cleanser that is specifically designed for dry skin that contains moisturizing ingredients. Follow up with a hydrating toner and moisturizer to lock in moisture.
6. Wear sunscreen
It’s a common myth that you don’t need to wear sunscreen in winter. Nothing could be further from the truth. Winter sun can still damage your skin, resulting in premature aging. Apply sunscreen with at least an SPF 30 or higher to exposed areas before going outside.
7. Invest in a humidifier
Most central heating systems generate dry, hot air that can seriously dry out skin. Using an indoor humidifier actually helps restore moisture in the air, protecting your skin.
8. Say no to hot baths
Hot baths worsen skin conditions in winter because they strip your skin of its natural oils. While a hot bath seems enticing after a long day out in the cold, it will leave your skin dry, itchy, and flaky.
9. Use moisturizing face masks
Since skin is extra susceptible to dryness during winter, it’s important to use moisturizing face masks at least once a week. You can create your own hydrating face mask by combining ingredients, such as honey, avocado, yogurt, bananas, and almond oil, together in a bowl. Slather on your skin for 30 minutes, and then rinse off.
10. Pamper your feet
Feet tend to crack in the winter months. You can prevent this from happening by slathering on foot creams that contain glycerin. Apply foot cream to feet and wear ultra soft socks before going to bed to seal in moisture.
Face winter head on
Skin tends to become duller, drier, and flakier during winter. But it doesn’t have to. To maintain radiant skin all winter long, all you have to do is moisturize more often, stay hydrated, and exfoliate. Follow the above simple tips, and the winter months won’t take a toll on your skin.
References
1. “8 Tips to Keep Skin Healthy During Winter,” Today, December 8, 2016.
2. “12 Tips to Keep Skin Soft and Glowing in Winter,” Be Well, February 10, 2014.
3. “10 Winter Skin Care Tips,” WebMD, December 21, 2007.
4. “Everything You Need to Know About Winter Skin Care,” Huffington Post, November 2, 2015.
