Winter has arrived with its chill winds and frigid temperatures. The winter weather is known for wreaking havoc with your skin. Cold weather and wind can zap skin of its moisture causing it to become chapped, sore, and flaky, and winter layers can exacerbate skin conditions like Eczema and Psoriasis. What are some of the best ways to keep your skin healthy and glowing during these cold months? Here are some handy tips to help protect your skin.
Wear Sunscreen
Even though the days are shorter and the weather has turned frigid, the sun still exists in the sky. Harmful UV rays can penetrate through the clouds. These harmful rays can still cause plenty of skin damage. “Just because the temperature has dropped and the days are shorter doesn’t mean you can forgo sun protection. It’s just as important in the winter months as it is in the summer” says Robert Linton, a beauty writer at 1Day2Write and Britstudent. Consider buying a moisturizer that has an SPF 15 factor or higher.
Keep your showers short and cooler
Sad news for all you hot shower fans. Long, hot showers are a huge no-no when it comes to keeping your skin hydrated and smooth. Extra heat causes water to evaporate from the skin, drying it out. This causes your skin to become itchy, dry, and dehydrated. Lukewarm water for showers, baths, and washing your face is better for combatting dry, winter skin. Also limiting the length of time in the water will help too. Try setting a timer for only 10 minutes for a shower, 20 minutes if you are bathing, and turning the hot water down to lukewarm. Your skin will thank you in the long run.
Choose the right skincare
When the cold weather hits, you go from the chilly outdoors into the warm, dry indoor air forcing your skin to have to cope with constant temperature fluctuations. Your summer skincare routine may not be so great in the winter. Try and stick to natural products, free from harsh chemicals and fragrances. A good moisturizer is essential in the winter months. Avoid peels and anything astringent as this will only dry your skin out more. Choose a water-based moisturizer, as it will not strip your natural skin oils, which are necessary to help keep skin from drying out and cracking in the winter. Coconut oil, shea butter, Jojoba oil, and aloe vera are all great choices. A note to all the Eczema and Psoriasis sufferers out there—make sure to use super hydrating emollient creams straight out of the shower to help keep it in check.
Avoid intense Exfoliation
Exfoliation helps shed dead skin and reveals the new, smoother, and healthier skin underneath. However, your skin is already working overtime with the freezing temperatures. Exfoliating during these cold months can severely irritate already dry, damaged skin. Only exfoliate once or twice a week maximum, if at all. Be sure to apply your favourite moisturizer immediately afterward, to keep your skin protected from the elements.
Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate
Your skin needs love from the inside too. Staying hydrated during the winter months is just as important as during the summer months when it is warmer out. “Moisturising the outside of the skin will be useless if you are not drinking enough water. You can invest in the top skincare products but if you are neglecting regular water intake, it will be in vain” Megan Johnson, a lifestyle blogger at Australia2write and NextCoursework explains. Keep using that water bottle throughout the snowy, cold months. Not a fan of cold drinks in the winter? Try hot water and lemon, it’s delicious and will help you stay hydrated and warm on a cold winter’s day.
When it comes to beating winter skin, the above are five simple solutions that will make a huge difference. These few suggestions should help banish dry, flaky, and itchy skin during the harsh winter months. Your skin will no longer be chapped and painful; it will be healthy, soft, smooth, and glowing throughout the holiday season.
Photo by Leonardo Yip on Unsplash
Michael Dehoyos is a lifestyle blogger and editor at Thesis Writing Service and Write My Thesis. He assists companies in their marketing strategy concepts, and contributes to numerous sites and publications. Also, he is a writer at Academic Paper Help.
