Winter can be extremely hard on our delicate skin. Here are a few helpful hints that will help you make it to the next season with glowing and radiant skin.
Don’t Forget the Sunscreen
Sunscreen in the winter too? Yes! Sunscreen isn’t just important during the summer; it’s actually necessary to apply sunscreen year round. Harmful sunrays reflect off snow and ice. You need sunscreen on a sunny day, a cloudy day, and even if you are just going to spend the whole day at work (fluorescent lights actually emit UV rays!). Also, remember to reapply when you’re going to be staying outside for long periods of time. This includes commuting to work via public transportation or driving. A great and low-cost one I love is the Hawaiian Tropic Sheer Touch Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30. It is lightweight, non-greasy and sheer enough to wear under your makeup.
Stay Away from Super Hot Baths!
Super hot baths might be nice in the wintertime, but they are actually horrible for your skin and should be a no-no in your winter skincare
routine. Hot water strips your skin of the natural oils and moisture, and more so as you turn up the heat in the shower or in the tub. Hot water evaporates fast, and if the skin is not immediately moisturized, the cracks in the skin let the skin nerves get exposed to air, resulting in what feels the ‘winter’s itch.’ Instead, go for shorter lukewarm baths or, if you can handle it, cooler baths. You should also apply the right moisturizer after you bathe.
Pro Tip: If you cannot live without a hot bath or shower (which is obviously tempting even thinking about it!) then keep your bathroom door closed if possible, and after you dry, moisturize. Look for products with ceramides as well as hyaluronic acid, to keep the barrier of your skin from losing a lot of water. An excellent and affordable product to use on your skin is The Ordinary’s Hyaluronic Acid.
Drink Enough Fluids and Keep it Moving!
Ever wondered why you look better in the summer and dull in the winter? One of the main reasons is because you probably drink a lot more fluids in the summer to stay hydrated in the heat. This winter, don’t forget to drink enough fluids and get enough exercise. If it is too cold in your city to go to a gym, there are tons of exercises that you can do at home. The important thing is to get your pulse rate up and your blood circulating. This will give your skin that beautiful summer glow all year round. If you have stairs, use them! You may feel a little silly, but running up and down even one flight of stairs can give you a quick workout.
Pro Tip: Have a refillable water bottle so you don’t have to worry about not getting enough water throughout the day. I like the Prime Pack Sports Water Bottle because it has a super leak-proof lid, which is so important when you are packing your lunch bag.
Switch Up your Fall Routine Products
Your skin has different needs during the winter. During this season, switch from oil-fighting cleansers to hydration boosting products. The main problem you face this winter is your skin drying out and losing its natural and beautiful texture, so you might want to stock up on products that actually hydrate your skin. Also stay away from using water-based moisturizers during the day and switch to thicker or oil moisturizers to seal in moisture. I like The Ordinary 100% Plant-derived Squalane because it is an oil that’s amazing for your any skin type and it is thin and not too heavy so if you have oily skin it won’t break you out.
Pro Tip: Use the steam from your shower and slather coconut or avocado oil all over your body to seal in the moisture.
Natural is the Way to Go
Natural products always are a default when all else fails and things like coconut oil and olive oil are some of the best products to have on your skin during this season because they are generally heavier and lock in moisture better than other products.
Love your Hands the Way they Deserve to Be Loved
With all the hand washing we do and sanitizer we use during the winter to get rid of germs and avoid the flu, it is no fun for our poor drying hands. Carry a small hand cream in your purse to use after you wash or sanitize your hands, and don’t forget to wear gloves when you are outdoors to protect your precious hands from drying and cracking. I personally love the Sephora Collection hand masks, they are moisturizing and nourishing for your precious hands.
Exfoliate to Let the Goodness Sink In!
You can make a great exfoliator with the products you already have. Grab some olive oil, sugar or sea salt, and a lemon to make a quick recipe for an exfoliator that will scrub away the dead skin that’s blocking your skin from soaking in the serums and moisturizers you are using.
Turn on the Humidifiers
Humidifiers aren’t just for babies. During the wintertime, it’s a good idea to fire up the humidifiers inside your home. If you live in a dry city, the air moisture level is typically way below what your skin needs. By using a humidifier, the humidity in the air will keep your skin from drying out. Aim for a cool mist humidifier as the warm mist types can cause mold growth in the home. The one I’ve been using for the past year and absolutely love and recommend is the Vicks FilterFree Cool Mist Humidifier. It is also perfect for when you get a stuffy nose, there’s a slot where you insert Vicks VapoPads and it gives you up to 24 hours of relief.
We hope some of these tips help you get your skin all ready for the dry winter season. What other tips do you have that we haven't mentioned? Let us know below. Make sure you sign up if you already are not a member and subscribe to our posts!
