Winter Skin Care Tips

Watching the first snowfall is an awesome sight. Who doesn't love the fresh sprinkle of white snow sitting on top of the tree branches! The first snowfall is a great reminder that the winter months are approaching. It is also a reminder that it may be time to start your winter skincare routine. This could mean stocking up on your favorite face moisturizer, hand cream, and body lotion! There is also a variety of hair, skin, and nail vitamins that help your skin survive winter. Start reading now to discover what you can do to improve and maintain beautiful skin this winter!

Moisturize Everyday

You probably guessed it! Moisturizing your skin is highly beneficial in the winter. The cold air removes the moisture from your skin leaving it at risk. If you moisturize daily, you can prevent cuts and cracks from forming. The most vulnerable parts of the body that may need extra attention are the elbows, knees, feet, and hands! It's best to use the moisturizer soon after showering, before leaving home, and when going to bed.

A good product will seal moisture in the skin and protect the outer layer. Individuals who suffer from dry skin even beyond the winter months will need a heavy, long-wearing moisturizer. Those that suffer from oily skin should invest in a light, oil-free product! When searching for a moisturizer that fits best to your skin type, choose a moisturizer labeled 'non-comedogenic.’ Regardless of your skin type, it will not clog the pores and reduce skin problems, such as acne.

Buy A Humidifier

With a furnace or fireplace running all winter it’s expected for the indoors to become dry! Using a humidifier can help restore moisture into the air while using a heating system. With extra moisture in the air, the skin will feel smooth and full of life. The ideal humidity level in the home is thirty to fifty percent, so using a hygrometer (which measures humidity levels in the air) is useful. You can purchase a hygrometer at your local hardware store or online. Finding a humidifier that acts as an air purifier is a great bonus! An air purifier will cut out toxins and allergens that cause harm to your skin.

Exfoliate Your Skin

Exfoliating your skin while showering is a great way to scrub off dead skin and bacteria. Getting rid of these skin particles will help reduce clogged pores and keep your skin clear of acne. The skin will have trouble breathing and can’t remain moisturized if the dead skin is blocking the pores. Exfoliating is a smart step in an individual’s skincare routine.

However, it’s suggested to limit exfoliating to only once or twice a week during the cold winter months. Exfoliating the skin has its benefits but too much scrubbing can cause irritation and dryness. During the winter it is best to look for a mild scrub that has moisturizing ingredients. Jojoba, almond, olive, and grapeseed oil are some ingredients that restore essential nutrients into the skin!

Have Lukewarm Showers

A lukewarm shower doesn’t sound very pleasant when you have a mid-winter chill! A steaming hot shower may make you feel refreshed from the negative temperatures outside, but the disadvantages are fearful. A hot shower causes dried out and unhealthy skin. Lowering the water’s temperature will protect the skin and keep the moisture within. It is the best way to ensure your skin looks and feels healthy. Let’s not forget a lukewarm shower will also bring great benefits to your hair!

After showering, quickly use your moisturizer. The warm water opens your pores and allows the cream to sink into the skin. Having your hands in water often can break open skin and cause bleeding. Protect them by wearing rubber gloves or treat your hands to moisturizer once dried.

Drink Plenty Of Water

Drinking water through the summer months is a breeze! The hot weather causes the mouth to become dry and the need for rehydration is constant. However, when the weather is the opposite, water isn’t desired as much. It’s important to consume lots of liquid during the winter!

Staying hydrated gives life to cells and creates a medium for the body to pee out toxins. If you don’t drink enough water, the body is unable to flush out toxins, and they pile on the skin. The toxins can clog pores and cause the skin to look dull. It’s recommended to drink at least 8 glasses of water a day! Staying hydrated will benefit your skin and keep it looking healthy and youthful.

Cover Up Bare Skin

It’s important to protect your skin during the harsh and cold winter. Keeping bare skin uncovered leaves an opportunity for your skin to become unhealthy. Make sure to invest in gloves with two layers to protect your hands in cold climates. Purchase a scarf to keep your neck covered and a hat that covers your ears! Reduce time spent in the cold if your skin is unprotected. Also, avoid touching cold objects and surfaces with your bare skin. Practicing this simple tip will ensure your skin keeps its moisture locked inside.

Avoid Shaving

Maintain healthy skin during the winter by shaving less often. It’s more common for your skin to become irritated with the impact the colder weather makes. Your skin tends to be more sensitive and fragile and shaving can cause it to dry out more. Shaving often will lead to more irritation and razor burn.

Luckily, many people tend to cover their body more and don’t see a need to shave as often. It’s common to put the shaver away for the cold months and resume shaving once it's needed again. If regular shaving is needed, do it after a warm shower and avoid using a lot of product. Lather your body with your favorite moisturizer after shaving.

Use A Lip Balm

It is too easy to forget to keep lips moisturized in the winter. But the lips are affected by the cold temperatures just like every other part of the body. Lips are harder to protect from the cold so they should be moisturized at all times! You can keep your lips feeling healthy by using a hydrating lip balm. Use the lip balm first before applying lipstick or other products. When searching for a winter lip balm, look for unscented products. Unscented products are heavier and more effective than regular lip chap. Avoid alcohol and other ingredients that dry out the lips and cause chapping!