When the winter months set in, you need to reevaluate your beauty regimen to keep your skin soft and glowing. Cold weather and low humidity make the skin dry, causing wrinkling, cracking and even bleeding.
You need to do more than just keep the skin warm during the winter. For example, a good way to counteract the effects of cold weather on the skin is by moisturizing daily. Also, while nourishing your skin, don’t forget to give your hair some much-needed TLC to get through those dry winter days.
Here are some tips for protecting and keeping the skin hydrated and glowing during the winter months.
Stay in a Moist Environment
The skin keeps the body hydrated by containing water inside it. During winter, the skin becomes cold and dry, and this makes water evaporate from it faster.
Take extra steps to keep the skin moist during colder months. For example, every day drink more water than usual. Also, consider using a humidifier to keep the air in your home or work area moist.
Eat Hydrating Foods
Take foods that can help to rehydrate the skin from the inside out. Foods such as leafy greens, melons, tomatoes, peppers, celery, zucchini, cucumber and citrus fruits have a high water content and help to replenish the body’s fluids.
Raw living foods also boost the body with essential nutrients, ensuring your immune system is strong enough to keep winter colds away.
Take Cold Showers or Baths
While the weather is cold, hot water is not recommended for showers and baths at this time. Bathing or showering in hot water during the cold weather can make the skin surface crack and leave you with “winter’s itch.” Since hot water evaporates fast, you should moisturize the skin immediately after you get out of the bathroom.
If you have to take a hot bath, ensure the environment is moist by keeping the bathroom door shut. When you finish bathing and drying, moisturize the skin immediately.
Use Gentler Products
Using gentle cleansers is another skincare routine you should adopt during the cold months.
For the face, a bland cleanser like Cetaphil would be perfect. For the body, consider a more gentle cleanser, like Vanicream or Dove, which is moisturizing and does not strip moisture away from the skin. If you are dealing with breakouts during winter, just use water on those areas. Otherwise, use products with glycerin and ceramides to protect the skin’s moisture barrier.
If you prefer natural products, aloe vera is a nice natural alternative. Here are some simple aloe vera DIY recipes.
Use a Moisturizer Often
It’s important to moisturize the skin often during the winter to keep it hydrated. You should apply a thick moisturizer immediately after bathing and one more time during the day.
TIP: Apply a layer of oil on your body and face before a cream-based moisturizer to help maintain the hydration.
You can use body oils such as coconut oil before bathing to protect the skin hydration barrier before taking a warm bath. Essential oils such as rosehip oil, rose oil and argan oil also produce similar benefits. These oils are also easier on the face and prevent acne and other breakouts.
One skincare mistake you should avoid during the cold weather is using a lotion moisturizer instead of a cream one. Lotion moisturizers are not as thick as the cream counterparts.
During winter, use cream moisturizers as they do a better job of retaining body hydration. Moreover, avoid moisturizers with fragrances as they can irritate the skin.
Exfoliate Less
Consider your skin type before exfoliating during the winter. If you have dry skin, reduce the frequency or don’t exfoliate at all. Your skin would be dry due to the cold air and exfoliating can crack it.
If possible, reduce exfoliating to just once a week to keep the skin rejuvenated and allow the moisturizer to penetrate more effectively.
Gentle Peel Pigmentation Repair
After summer, you may be worried about your skin pigmentation if you have brown spots from being in the sun. To get rid of the brown spots, don’t rush to use a harsh peel. Some harsh peels can break the barrier that keeps the moisture inside and leave the skin vulnerable to elements.
The best way of removing unsightly dark spots during the winter would be to start with a gentler peel with mild exfoliation.
Sunscreen for all Seasons
Sunscreen should not be restricted for the summer months only. Your skin still needs to be cared for during the cold weather. While the sun may not be shining during the winter, harmful UV rays do not take a break.
You can use a natural sunscreen oil, such as carrot seed oil. It is a little bit richer and will keep the skin glowing during winter.
Do you have any favorite ways that you use to keep the skin soft and glowing during the winter? Please share them in the comments.
This article (How to Keep Your Skin Soft and Glowing in the Winter) is copyrighted by Awareness Junkie, 2018. You may not copy, reproduce or publish any content therein without written permission. Feel free to share this article on social networks and via email. If you have questions, please contact us here.
Disclaimer: This article is not intended to provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Moreover, views expressed here do not necessarily reflect those of Awareness Junkie or its staff.
