Winter is a beautiful season full of fun activities, delicious food, and cosy nights. But if you’re not careful, the cold air, dry air, and harsh winds can wreak havoc on your skin. With the cold winter air rolling in, it’s time to start taking extra special care of your skin. Winter can be tough on the skin, as the dry air and chilly temperatures can lead to dryness, cracking, and irritation. But with the right tips and tricks, you can keep your skin looking and feeling healthy all season long. With these simple tips, you can ensure that your skin is properly protected and nourished during the cold season.
Why Your Skin Might Get More Dry In Winter
Winter might be a beautiful time of year, but it can wreak havoc on your skin. Cold air is very dry and can cause your skin to become extremely dry and flaky, as well as lead to irritation and redness. Additionally, when the air is dry, it can also cause certain skin conditions, like psoriasis or eczema, to become worse. Psoriasis is a condition that causes the skin to become dry, scaly, and red. Eczema is a similar condition and leaves the skin dry and cracked, but it can also be itchy and often results in sores. Check out this guide to learn more about psoriasis as well as other conditions that could become worse in the cold.
Signs Of Dry Skin
There are a few tell-tale signs that you may have dry skin, including redness, flaking, and itching. If you notice that your skin looks red and flaky, it could be a sign of dryness. If you want to know if your skin is dry, you can check for these signs:
- Flaky skin
- Cracks in your skin
- Redness
- Chapped surface
- Stinging
- Irritation
Taking Care Of Your Skin
Drink Plenty Of Water
Water is essential for keeping your skin hydrated, so it makes sense to consume lots of it during the winter. When your skin is properly hydrated, it maintains a healthy balance of oil, which helps to keep it looking smooth and soft. There are a number of ways you can keep your skin healthy through the winter months, but drinking water is one of the top ways to keep your skin looking great.
Wear Gloves
Cold weather can wreak havoc on your hands, including your nails, which can become dry and brittle. This can be especially problematic if you frequently use your hands for work. One of the best ways to protect your hands during the winter is with gloves. You can opt for a pair of basic cotton gloves, or you can buy a pair of special winter gloves that are designed to keep your hands warm and protected.
Use Warm Water, Not Hot Water, To Wash
During the winter, it’s important to use warm water when you wash your face, hands, and body, rather than hot water. Hot water can dry out and irritate your skin, especially if you have sensitive skin. Additionally, hot water can cause your skin to lose essential oils that it needs for hydration and repair. Use warm water for washing, and finish off with cold water to close your pores before hydrating your skin with your moisturiser.
Try An Oil-Based Cleanser
An oil-based cleanser will help to remove dirt and impurities from your skin while also sealing in moisture. Cleaning your skin with water alone can actually make it drier, as it strips away natural oils. An oil-based cleanser will help to combat these issues.
Exfoliate Twice A Week
Exfoliating is important for keeping your skin healthy and hydrated. It can remove impurities, dirt, and dead skin cells. Exfoliating regularly is also important for keeping your skin hydrated and soft. However, it’s essential that you don’t over-exfoliate, as this can damage your skin, leaving it dry and cracked. Instead, aim to exfoliate two or three times a week to keep your skin looking its best.
Stock Up On Face, Hand And Body Moisturisers
Winter is a harsh time for your skin, which is why it’s important that you keep your skin moisturised during the winter. Keeping your skin moisturised will help to prevent it from becoming dry, cracked, and flaky. You can do this by stocking up on face, hand, and body moisturisers. Face moisturisers are formulated with ingredients that are gentler than what you would find in a hand or body lotion. This is because your face is very sensitive and prone to breakouts. Hand moisturisers are formulated with ingredients that can penetrate the thicker layers of skin and don’t get rubbed off easily as you go about your day. Body moisturisers are thicker than face and hand moisturisers and are better suited for use all over your body. When you’re choosing a moisturiser, make sure that it’s formulated for your skin type.
Use Lip Balm To Avoid Chapped Lips
The dry winter air can also cause your lips to chap, which can lead to painful and sore lips. To avoid this, apply lip balm when you’re outside. Invest in a high-quality lip balm that will nourish and protect your lips from the harsh winter elements. By using a lip balm, you will avoid your lips becoming chapped during the winter months, meaning you can look your best no matter the weather.
Apply Sun Cream Even When It’s Cold
When the weather begins to cool down, it’s not just your wardrobe that changes. The sun’s UV rays also change as they become less intense. However, just because the UV rays aren’t as strong as they are during the summer, this doesn’t mean you should stop protecting your skin from the sun when it gets cold. The sun can be incredibly damaging to the skin, especially when it’s reflected off of snow. Even if the sun isn’t directly shining on you, you can still get sun damage if there is snow on the ground. If you’re going outside, make sure you apply sun cream or wear protective clothing to ensure your skin is protected from the sun.
Find The Routine That’s Right For Your Skin
While we’ve listed a few tips above, there is no one-size-fits-all routine. You have to find the things that are right for your skin. That means you’ll have to try out a few different things before you find the products and techniques that work best for you. Be sure to keep an eye on your skin throughout the winter and make adjustments as needed. If you notice your skin getting dry or if it starts getting irritated, that means you need to re-evaluate your routine and find ways to improve it.
Wrapping Up
While winter can be a beautiful season, it can also be tough on your skin. If you’re not careful, the dry air and cold temperatures can lead to dryness and irritation. Luckily, there are a few quick and easy ways to keep your skin hydrated and healthy, such as drinking plenty of water and wearing gloves while outside. You can also use a face scrub or face wash to help remove dirt and impurities from your skin, while a moisturizer can help keep your skin hydrated and healthy. With these simple tips, you can ensure that your skin is properly protected this winter season.
