“Just as we change our wardrobe to accommodate the cold weather, we must also change our skin care routine”.
The cold weather can bring changes to your skin. And, sometimes that healthy glow is harder to achieve in the winter. The good news is, it’s definitely possible to look and feel flawless no matter what the weather is. If you’re worried about losing that summer glow, don’t be – there are plenty of winter skin care tips that will help keep your skin looking vibrant!
As many parts of the world are feeling the chill with the blustery cold and icy winds, some of us are noticing changes in our skin. A winter skin care routine is a necessity, those of us who live in cold, dry climates.
When it’s cold outside, there is less moisture in the air. This lack of moisture is compounded by wind, which blows moisture away from the skin, as well as indoor heating, a cozy fire and even layers of clothing. In a dry environment, water escapes from our skin cells – leaving skin feeling dry, uncomfortable and even chapped.
Here are 5 Winter Skin Care tips to help prepare your skin for the cold, winter months.
Winter skin care tip #1: Stay hydrated Inside and Out!
When your skin lacks moisture it can start to look a bit older. Fine lines & wrinkles become more apparent, visible, flaky patches appear and it loses its radiance. Rich daytime and nighttime moisturizers become imperative as they help hold water to the skin while absorbing moisture from the air. They hydrate the outer layers of skin while creating a barrier on top of the skin to help lock in moisture. The entire body will benefit from moisturizer to keep it soft, smooth and youthful looking. Moisturizer is a must!
In addition to moisturizer you also have to keep your body hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids. You might not be craving a tall glass of ice water so switch it up by going room temp or have a cup of hot tea to stay hydrated.
Tip: Snow reflects 80% of the sun’s damaging rays. Just because it’s cold and cloudy doesn’t mean the rays aren’t present. SPF is imperative year-round.
Winter skin care tip #2: Kick up your Nighttime regimen
You’ll need to spend a few extra minutes each night focusing on your beauty regimen during the winter months. Skin cells replace themselves faster than any other cells of the body. And it’s when the body is asleep that it repairs itself and this includes the skin. So you want to be sure to cleanse your skin before bedtime and remove all traces of makeup. Apply a rich night cream and you will wake up with hydrated skin. Don’t forget the skin around your eyes, your hands, feet, elbows, knees…well, the whole body to be safe! All of these areas are affected by the cold weather and they need a little pampering at bedtime.
Winter skin care tip #3: Avoid long Hot Baths & Showers
Nothing feels better when you’re chilled to the bone then a nice hot bath. Unfortunately, hot water breaks down the lipid barriers in your skin causing moisture loss. The result? Skin that feels dry, itchy and irritated. If you just can’t live without a hot bath or shower, try to limit it to 10 minutes. Add a little bath oil or other moisturizing product that is gentle and hydrating to the skin and don’t linger too long. Finish with a nice slathering of lotion.
Tip: Apply moisturizers while skin is still damp and never rub your skin dry, pat it dry to avoid irritation.
Winter skin care tip #4: Exfoliate more frequently
You may need to exfoliate a bit more frequently during the cold weather months to remove dry, flaky skin patches and reveal the smoother skin beneath. While exfoliation is important year-round, it’s really important during the colder months. Dead skin cell buildup prevents moisture from absorbing into the skin. You need to remove this barrier so your products can penetrate the skin with ease. If your skin looks dull and lacks that youthful glow it’s time to exfoliate. However, don’t confuse dry skin with irritated, chapped skin. If your skin is red or sore ease up on exfoliating.
Tip: Apply moisturizer after exfoliating!
Winter skin care tip #5: Protect your Lips, Hands & Feet
These areas have fewer oil glands making it harder to keep them hydrated in the cold, dry weather. Protect your lips by wearing a hydrating lip balm throughout the day and at bedtime. Keep your hands protected from the cold as soon as the weather starts to change. Most people wait until the temperature has dropped before wearing gloves. By then it may be too late. Keep hands protected early in the season to help prevent dryness and chaffing which can turn into cracks and fissures. At this point hand cream may feel uncomfortable and you won’t wear it. When it comes to your feet, during the winter months we keep them covered up. Wet socks, shoes and boots can be damaging to the skin. We rarely see our feet in the wintertime, so they tend to be neglected. Be sure to give them some love to keep them soft, smooth and free from dry cracks and fissures. Keep your feet dry at all costs and don’t’ forget to dry between your toes after showering.
Follow these 5 simple winter skin care tips and your skin will look and feel fabulous!
Tip: Keep hand cream on hand at all times and reapply throughout the day.
Follow these 5 simple winter skin care tips and your skin will look and feel fabulous!
