Introduction
While winter can be a beautiful season, it can also be challenging. Dry, cold air, low humidity, and indoor heating all contribute to skin that is dry and dull.
Fortunately, a proper skincare routine can help maintain skin that is soft, hydrated, and glowing all winter!
Keep reading to find out how to naturally prevent skin dryness and protect your skin barrier.
Use a Gentle Cleanser
Cleansing is an important part of a skincare routine, but harsh soaps and cleansers can cause your skin to dry out even more.
Instead, find a mild and hydrating cleanser that will remove dirt and keep natural oils in your skin.
Steer clear of foaming cleansers that contain alcohol or sulfates, as those will weaken your skin barrier.
Tip: The best gentle cleansers contain aloe vera, glycerin, or hyaluronic acid.
Moisturize Immediately After Washing
As soon as you finish cleansing your skin, you lose moisture.
That’s why it’s a best practice to apply your moisturizer while your skin is still damp, as this will ‘seal in’ hydration.
If you have very dry skin, instead of a lotion, use a thicker cream or oil-based moisturizer.
Add a Hydrating Serum
Hydrating serums, specifically those containing hyaluronic acid or Vitamin E, are extremely effective in skin hydration.
Applying a hydrating serum before your moisturizer will amp hydration and help in combatting dryness.
Moisturizing serums will help your skin remain smooth, healthy, and plump, even in harsh winter months.
Protect Your Skin from Cold Air
The skin barrier can get seriously compromised from the combination of cold wind and dry winter air.
Be sure to wrap your face in a scarf and your hands in gloves to help in avoiding cracking of skin.
Don’t forget your sunscreen (30+ SPF) during the winter months to prevent accelerated skin aging from UV rays.
Stay Hydrated from Within
Hydration starts from the inside and is not limited to the use of creams.
Drink enough water and your skin will be hydrated as well.
In addition to water, eat juicy fruits such as oranges, cucumbers, and watermelon.
Include omega-3 rich foods like fish, walnuts, and flaxseeds to promote healthy skin.
Use a Humidifier Indoors
In winter, your central heating removes air from the atmosphere and can dry and flake your skin.
Use a humidifier to combat this effect.
It helps keep your skin smooth, prevents chapped lips, and relieves the pain that comes with dryness.
7. Exfoliate Once a Week
Exfoliation helps scrub away dead skin that dulls the skin on your face.
A gentle scrub a couple times a week keeps the skin on your face smooth and helps keep the skin on your face glowing.
You can get your skin irritated if you exfoliate too much, so keep that in mind during winter
8. Take Short, Lukewarm Showers
You may feel relaxed in hot, long showers but they can be really bad for your skin.
Take a lukewarm shower, keep it under 10 minutes and stop the shower at 5 minutes.
Pat your skin dry after the shower (don’t rub) and moisturizer after shower.
9. Don’t Forget About Your Lips and Hands
Your hands and lips lose moisture just like the rest of your skin.
Use a lip balm with shea butter and coconut oil and reapply it.
Put on hand cream after you wash your hands and before you go to bed to keep your hands from cracking.
10. Keep a Simple Routine
You shouldn’t use too many active ingredients during winter.
Overusing retinol or strong acids can throw your skin out of balance.
A major part of your winter routine should be to wash your skin, hydrate and then protect it. Your routine keeps your skin calm, balanced and glowing all winter long.
Conclusion
Dry winter weather can be annoying for your skin, but a few simple adjustments can help.
If you remain consistent with your skin’s hydration, moisturizing, and protective measures, your skin will be smooth and radiant for the entire season.