Winter is here, so it’s time to take extra care of your skin! This is because dry, cold air can leave your skin irritated, red and itchy. Sometimes, it may feel like there is no escape because the cold, windy conditions leave your skin exposed when you step outside. Moreover, when indoors, heat tends to zap moisture from the air and your skin.
Sitting by a roaring fire is one of the things that makes winter remarkable. Taking a hot shower also may seem like an excellent way to warm up, but this also dries up your skin by stripping it of its natural oils.
However, there are many simple ways to tackle the causes of dry winter skin to help your skin retain moisture.
Here are some tips to try out for effective winter skincare to keep your skin looking supple, moisturized, and glowy throughout the season.
Deep moisturize your skin.
Moisturizing is one of the essential things that one must do during this winter to achieve glowy skin. It helps your skin retain its natural oils and keeps it hydrated. Use a thicker moisturizer during the cold season because it’s usually more hydrating.
Warm showers are the best during winter. Therefore, after taking a soothing shower, dab your skin dry with a towel and apply a generous amount of moisturizer within a few minutes to seal the water into the skin. You can choose a variety of good moisturizers with ingredients such as coconut oil, olive oil, castor oil, buttermilk, ceramides, hyaluronic acid, Shea butter, and other moisturizing ingredients best for your skin type.
Get a Humidifier to Maximize Moisture
A humidifier at home or the office can help keep your skin hydrated by adding moisture to dry winter air.
Keep a humidifier in the rooms you spend most of your time in, especially the bedrooms and living room area.
Drink Water Regularly
During winter, we feel less dehydrated, so we tend to avoid drinking water. However, we lose so much water in our bodies without realizing and therefore, constantly drinking your water during the cold season is key to keeping your skin from looking dull.
Load up your body with the right amount of water and get glowing skin during the entire winter season.
Lower the Thermostat to Avoid Dryness
The first thing we tend to do during the cold season is cranking up your heat in the house. But this heat is drying and can dry your skin too.
Try setting your thermostat at a cool, comfortable setting, preferably 68°F to 72°F, to maintain healthy glowy skin.
Wash Your Face With Lukewarm Water and Limit Shower Time
It’s very tempting to take long, hot showers during the winter. However, it’s best for your skin if you take a 5-10 minutes lukewarm shower. As much as the hot water in winters may relax your muscles, it may leave your skin dry and flaky.
Also, avoid excessively hot water while washing your hands, as washing your hands with cold water appears to be as effective at eliminating germs as hot water. Don’t forget to use moisturizing hand cream to keep your hands soft every time you wash your hands.
Replenish Your Skin At Night
For glowy, healthy skin during the winter season, never forget your nighttime routine. Replenish your skin at night as you will be resting for about 7-8 hours.
Deep moisturize your skin with an excellent moisturizing oil or a peptide serum before sleeping so that you can wake up with beautiful supple skin.
Choose Gentle, Fragrance- Free Cleansers
A wrong soap or cleanser can worsen irritated, dry, and flaky skin. Regular bar soaps may contain fragrances and irritating ingredients and, therefore, wash with a fragrance-free, moisturizing gel or cleanser. A good tip for this is to look for products specifically labeled “fragrance-free” because “unscented” products may contain fragrance.
Also, generally using less soap during shower time can prevent winter skin problems. Therefore limit your lathering to crucial areas such as your armpits, hands, feet, and genitals.
Apply Sunscreen Even on Gray Winter Days
Snow tends to reflect the sun’s rays up to 80% on bright winter days, increasing your risk of exposure to the sun’s UV rays. Therefore, whether you are playing in the snow, out on the slopes, or just walking through the park on an errand run, it’s essential to apply sunscreen in the harsh cold weather as it is in the summer.
And don’t be deceived by darker gray days in winter, either. The sun’s harmful rays can penetrate clouds and still be harmful to your skin and cause damage.
Therefore, apply a moisturizing sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher before going outside. Concentrate on the exposed areas of your skin, especially your face, arms, and neck
Wear Comfortable, Non-Irritating, Appropriate clothing
Cold-weather fabrics can irritate your skin, and so you should keep wool and rough clothing from directly touching your skin. This will help avoid itchiness on dry, flaky skin. To achieve this, layer first light clothing made from soft, breathable materials directly on your skin, and then put on your warmer, heavier sweaters.
Also, don’t forget to protect your hands from cold winter air with gloves that won’t irritate your skin. Put on cotton or silk gloves liners first if you prefer woolen gloves.
Remember to Eat Right!
Keep up with your healthy eating habits throughout the winter as well. Dry skin may be helped by eating the right foods or supplements that contain omega-3 or omega-6 fatty acids. These include foods such as fish oil and flaxseed oil.
Stock up on your fruits and vegetables, too, because they are rich in vitamins and antioxidants that keep your skin healthy.
These are useful and practical tips to help you through the harsh effects of the cold winter weather. Try out these tips to maintain healthy, glowy, and moisturized skin throughout the winter season.