5 Easy Winter Skincare Regimens
The winter brings dry, cold air that zaps skin of its moisture, leaving it feeling dry, rough and raw. Indoor heating can also be harsh, and, in some cases, maybe worse. We can also put common winter habits on that list. Things like taking hot showers, wearing heavy clothing, drinking less water and indulging in holiday junk food, can also wreak havoc on skin. But we can tackle the problem s long as we know it is one. Follow these easy winter skincare tricks to keep skin healthy, hydrated and radiant this season.
Hydrate, Moisturize and Replenish
The key to keeping skin healthy anytime, but especially in the winter is to replenish all the moisture that dry cold air saps from it, and that requires lots of moisturizer—so be sure to moisturize twice daily with a ceramide-based product. Slather on lotion after each shower and use hand lotion after each hand wash. Consider avoiding soaps in the shower in favor of plain water, too.
Slather on the Lip Balm
Lips usually take the brunt of winter weather because we don’t take steps to cover them when we go out. What’s worse, lips may be thin and tend to dry out much quicker than other parts of the body as we're dragging air back and forth across them throughout the day. To keep lips healthy, it helps to use a lip balm that contains something decadent like shea butter or beeswax, essential oils or glycerin. Treat especially dry or cracked areas overnight with medicated petroleum jelly. And do not lick, pick or bite irritated lips.
Don’t Forget Sunscreen
You may not think you need it in the winter—and you may not, depending on where you live and your activities, but sunscreen is important if you're going to be on snow, water, or out in the elements for long periods. The sun’s harmful rays may feel far away in the winter months, but they can still cause skin damage and dry out skin, all of which can cause premature aging. For this reason, sunscreen should be at least considered as a part of any skincare regimen year-round. This goes double for those living at high-altitude.
Do an Intensive Weekly Mask
Face masks deliver vital moisture faster and penetrate better than other moisturizing products, according to NBC News. All of this means that they are more effective than daily moisturizers. Unfortunately, they’re not recommended for daily use. But barring any skin complications, they're usually safe to use once or twice per week. Doing so will seal in moisture and make daily moisturizing efforts more effective.
Use a Humidifier
The humidity level inside a home can drop to less than 15% during the winter months. Optimal levels are around 45%. Anything less can exacerbate dry flaky skin. One way to raise a home’s humidity level is to get a whole-home humidifier or, at least, a room humidifier. These systems can add gallons of moisture to the air and fix a humidity problem.
Choose a Healthy Diet
In addition to taking care of skin from the outside, consider hydrating it from the inside out by drinking plenty of water and following a healthy diet with lots of fruits and vegetables. Nothing will do more for skin that choosing to eat nourishing food and staying hydrated.
As with many things, consistency is the key to keeping skin beautiful during the harsh winter months. Consider turning down the heater and letting it be a little colder to keep the dry air from having as much of an impact. Humidifiers may make the room feel more comfortable, too, so this combo may be a winner for many. And most of all, drink lots of water. But no matter what, make consistent choices to reap long-term benefits.
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