With the arrival of winter, we also must acclimatize to cold, dryer weather. Cold temps, low humidity, and harsh winds can take a toll on one’s skin during this time. For those who use a heating system, the level of humidity can drop further, leaving the skin dehydrated. These factors make the skin prone to dryness and some forms of eczema.
Depending on where you live and how cold it gets for you during the winter months, you may consider re-adjusting your skin care routine.
Here are a few tips to protect & replenish your skin during the winters!
○ SHOWERS: Although hot showers feel great during the cold times, they may strip the skin of its natural oils, making it dry. It can even make acne-prone skin worse! Using lukewarm water is the best option.
○ CLEANSE, but don’t over-exfoliate: Don’t let your dead skin cells build up in the winter. This will help your moisturiser to better penetrate and moisturise your skin. While daily cleansing is important for gentle exfoliation of dead cells, avoid harsh exfoliation with scrubs that may strip off the skin’s natural oils.
○ CHANGE YOUR CLEANSER: During winters, your regular cleanser might be too harsh for your skin. Minimise the use of cleansers with glycolic or salicylic acid and shift to bland, gentle cleansers.
○ MOISTURIZE + CHOOSE THE RIGHT MOISTURIZER: Colder months tend to be drier so regular moisturizing becomes especially important. Whether you do so once or twice a day, at least one application should be after bathing, so as to create a protective barrier that locks in the skin’s moisture. Also, not all moisturizers are created equal. When transitioning into a winter skincare routine, you may have to switch your regular moisturizer with something cream-based or containing moisturizing ingredients like oils or ceramides.
○ LIP CARE: The cold weather, as well as wind, are a perfect recipe for dry, chapped lips. To avoid chapped lips, avoid licking your lips and use a bland lip balm, Chapstick or Vaseline.
○ SUNSCREEN: Even on gloomy winter days, UV rays of the sun can still cause damage. Less direct sun exposure during the winter doesn’t mean you should quit SPF protection altogether. Sunscreen and covering up smartly is vital all-year round for healthy skin.
○ COLD PROTECTION: Protecting your exposed skin with appropriate gear (scarves, gloves etc) not only retains warmth but also protects the skin beneath.
○ STAY ACTIVE: Stay active even if it feels hard! Regular exercise and activity will improve circulation and is good for your skin and overall health.
○ STAY HYDRATED: Air is drier in the winter and as a result, water evaporates from the body faster. Keep your skin hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day.
○ EAT RIGHT: You can make difference by changing what you eat as well. Try to incorporate foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids (like nuts), seasonal vegetables etc.
These are some tips to keep your skin healthy and happy all winter long! Hope you find them useful! If you did, be sure to visit the Beauty blog.
Glow & Grow! 🙂
