Extreme weather conditions can take a toll on your skin, so here are some winter skin care tips to help you get through the season.
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In this article:
- Don’t Forget to Stay Hydrated
- Take Cooler and Shorter Baths
- Switch Soap for Gentle Cleansers
- Keep Wearing Sunscreen
- Hydrate Lips
- Exfoliate with Caution
- Up Your Moisturizing Game
- Try Using a Humidifier
- Don’t Neglect Your Diet and Nutrition
Keep Your Skin Looking Fresh with These Winter Skin Care Hacks
1. Don’t Forget to Stay Hydrated
Dehydration or low water intake can make your skin flakier and drier. This is something you should try to avoid because the cold winter temperature is already notorious for causing dry skin.
Remember, when your skin is dry, there’s a greater risk for wrinkles and fine lines to appear. The most straightforward way to stay hydrated is to drink water throughout the day.
Tip: If it’s too chilly to drink cold water, you can heat it to stay hydrated. A few slices of lemon add a comforting touch.
2. Take Cooler and Shorter Baths
You may have to think twice about ending a cold winter day with a long hot bath. It may sound counterintuitive to take cooler baths during winter, but hot water can strip your body of its natural oils and dry it out.
Instead of your usual hot shower, try lukewarm water. If you really can’t let go of your hot baths, keep your bathroom door closed and try to limit it to ten minutes.
Remember, your goal is to keep your skin barrier from losing too much water in the bathing process. As soon as you’re done with your bath, gently pat your skin dry and moisturize to lock in all the hydration.
3. Switch Soap for Gentle Cleansers
Soap with harsh ingredients or fragrance can sometimes lead to itchy and dry skin—something you’ll want to be more careful of during the cold weather. Instead of using regular soap, switch to a gentle and unscented cleanser.
If you can’t drop your soap habit completely, you can try limiting it to only certain areas of your body like the armpits or inner thighs. Try not to apply the soap directly on your body, too.
If you must use soap, use a washcloth or loofah. Make sure to create a generous lather before scrubbing down with a washcloth or loofah.
4. Keep Wearing Sunscreen
In the dead of winter, it’s easy to forget about the sun. But trust us, even if you don’t feel it, the sun (and it’s harmful UV rays) is still out there.
Snow can reflect the sun’s rays, which can possibly increase your exposure to UV rays, so don’t skip the sunscreen.
The American Academy of Dermatology recommends using a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher. They also recommend using a water-resistant sunscreen so your sweat doesn’t wash it off.
5. Hydrate Lips
Your lips can become dry and chapped when the weather is cold, so don’t forget to give them some extra TLC. Here are some things you can do to keep your lips soft and supple:
- Try to avoid licking your lips. The enzymes in saliva can dry out lips.
- Choose the right lip balm. For the winter, an ointment-based lip balm with sun protection is ideal.
- Always carry some lip balm with you. Reapply it throughout the day and before you hit the sack.
- Gently exfoliate your lips. If your lips are already chapping, you can use a gentle lip scrub to help remove the flakes.
The skin on the lips can dry out quicker because it doesn’t have as many oil glands, so you need to take extra care of them when it’s cold out.
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6. Exfoliate with Caution
Some experts believe that you shouldn’t exfoliate at all during the wintertime (especially if your skin is very dry), but exfoliating may offer some benefits during the winter. It helps remove the layers of dead skin which can help your skin soak up more moisturizer.
If your skin seems to be holding up well, you can exfoliate lightly. Remember, your skin’s barrier is generally more sensitive during winter, so don’t exfoliate as often as you usually would.
Instead, try limiting it to once a week. Otherwise, your skin may start to feel dry.
7. Up Your Moisturizing Game
Your moisturizing regime has to keep up with your skin’s needs during the winter. Here’s how you can up your moisturizing game:
- Lightweight moisturizers may not cut it, so now is the time to bring out your more potent moisturizers. Try to choose creams over lotions because lotions aren’t as thick.
- Apply moisturizer as soon as you get out of the shower.
- Reapply moisturizer halfway through the day.
- Moisturize your hands after washing them.
- Avoid moisturizers with fragrances and harsh chemicals that can irritate your skin.
- If you’re using ointment-based moisturizers, like petroleum jelly, limit its use to your body. Otherwise, it may clog the pores on your face.
- Take your time when you apply moisturizer. Massage it in for better skin penetration.
- The skin around your eyes is thinner and more prone to wrinkling so make sure to use special moisturizer for this area.
If you’re having trouble finding the perfect winter moisturizer, your skin type and complexion can clue you in on it. There are heavy-duty moisturizers for normal, oily, dry, sensitive, and combination skin.
8. Try Using a Humidifier
If you think staying indoors keeps you safe from all these skin issues, think again. Most people turn up the heat when it’s winter, and hot indoor air can also strip your skin of moisture.
Using a humidifier is a great way to get some extra moisture in the air which can help keep your skin hydrated. Just make sure to choose a humidifier that’s appropriate for the size of the room.
9. Don’t Neglect Your Diet and Nutrition
Healthy and glowing skin starts from the inside. A well-balanced diet can help keep your skin healthy.
You’ll need a good dose of antioxidants, vitamins, omega-3 fatty acids, protein, and lactobacilli to maintain youthful-looking skin. If you don’t think you’re getting everything you need from your diet, a supplement can help bridge the gap.
Tip: Talk to an integrative health specialist today to figure out what supplements can help you achieve your skin care or overall health goals.
Your skin care needs can change depending on the season, so it’s usually a good idea to adjust your regimen when the season changes.
For skin care in winter, your main goal is to maximize moisture and prevent dry skin. With these tips, you’re on your way to surviving the harsh, cold, and dry winter.
Do you have any other winter skin care tips? Share them with us in the comments section.
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