Top 8 Tips for Winter Skin Care

Winter weather is tough on our skin. Humidity is low, meaning the air is dry, and temperatures are freezing. And if you don’t take the necessary steps to protect your skin from winter’s harsh conditions, you’ll have rough, irritated skin by the time warm, sunny days roll around.

Follow These 8 Tips to Protect Your Skin In Winter and keep your skin looking and feeling fresh and rejuvenated.

 

1. Choose Your Moisturizer Wisely.

 

Moisturizing Skin

Moisturizing

 

If your skin needs it, by all means add a moisturizer to your routine as well. A great, lightweight moisturizer applied beneath an oil is an unstoppable combination. The moisturizer gets to the heart of the skin’s hydration needs whereas the oil locks it all in. That being said, make sure to choose your moisturizer wisely: choose one that’s free of petroleum-based ingredients like paraffin wax, mineral oil and anything that ends in -eth. Ingredients like this can actually do more harm than good by temporarily hydrating skin, only to block pores and cause skin to suffocate. Instead, find a moisturizer with nourishing, gentle plant-based ingredients and an oil base. Water-based creams are fine in warmer weather, but a moisturizer that has an oil base will help keep the good-for-you ingredients in the skin.

 

2. Drink More Water

drinking water

Water

When the temperature outside drops, it is only natural to feel less thirsty. However, lowering your water intake is a huge mistake. Your skin is 60% water, which means, of course, that lack of water leaves it dehydrated and duller.

 

3. Eat Right

Food to eat in winter

Fruits and Vegetables

You can make a big difference in your winter skincare by changing what you eat. Honey and milk-based products can be increasing your skin’s moisture levels. Add a little to your morning oatmeal or afternoon tea. It’s always recommended to opt for your appropriate food in winter.

 

4. Protect Your Skin from UV Rays

UV Rays

UV Rays

Although it may seem like the sun has well and truly vanished, you should be saving your skin from harmful UV rays throughout the year – winter being no exception. Whilst there are fewer UVB (short wave ultraviolet) rays in winter, levels of UVA (long wave ultraviolet) – which goes through the skin’s deepest layers – are still significant enough to cause damage during this time. Look out for moisturizers that contain SPF protection or dust a loose mineral sunscreen over your makeup before heading out.

5. Cleansing

 

cleansing

Cleansing

Cleansing is extra important during winter as consistent cleansing twice daily assures richer, deeper nourishment for your skin. Double cleansing your face is beneficial, particularly at night, as the first cleanse removes any surface oil, makeup or SPF protection while the second cleanses your actual skin.

6. Exfoliate a Few Times Per Week

 

Exfoliate skin

Exfoliation

Dry and dead skin tends to build up, whether you can see it or not. To help manage this, it’s best to exfoliate a few times per week. This helps to boost healthier skin, ready to absorb your skincare products. Exfoliating on a regular basis also promotes the production of youth restoring collagen, leaving your skin dewy and plump.

 7. Keep Showers Short and Sweet.

 

shower

Shower

It’s tempting to reach for that dial and turn up the heat and have a long, hot shower or a bath when temperature drops outside. However, hot showers and long baths are condemned. In addition to that will excessively hot water dehydrate you, it will also strip away those necessary oils from your body. If you come out of the shower and your skin is irritatingly red and itchy, it’s a sign that you’ve overdone it. All is not lost though. We’ve got you covered in the next step. the American Academy of Dermatology recommends keeping shower time to 10 minutes or less.

8. Dress Accordingly

 

Winter Clothes

Winter Clothes

This might sound like common sense, but the best way to protect your skin during the winter months is to dress accordingly. As the temperature drops, your layers should increase. The National Weather Service suggests wearing one to two layers and warm, waterproof shoes on a chilly day; two to three layers, a warm hat and waterproof boots on a cold day; and more than three layers, a warm hat, face mask and waterproof boots during extremely cold weather.