When the winter months set in, you need to reevaluate your beauty regimen to keep the 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. The best way to counteract the effects of the cold weather on the skin is by moisturizing it. Skincare is notoriously expensive, but now might be the best time to buy it; gift cards to places like Ulta and Sephora go on sale in the winter, so you might be able to snag a deal. Here are some tips for protecting and keeping the skin hydrated and glowing during the winter.
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 the winter months. For example, drink more water than usual every day. Also, consider using a humidifier to keep your home or work area environment 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 high water content and help to replenish body fluids.
The foods also boost your vitamins and minerals, ensuring your immune system is strong 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 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.
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. The 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 better.
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