Keep your skin moisturized all winter long
| 2 min read
When the weather is this bad, it can be tough to keep your skin looking dewy and fresh. Fight the flakiness and tightness with these easy tips:
Change your shower routine. Long, hot showers may warm you up, but they are actually damaging to your skin. By shortening your showers and lowering the water temp, you’ll help keep your skin from getting dry. While you’re in there, massage your scalp and keep your shampoo and conditioner in for 3 to 4 minutes before rinsing, so your hair stays hydrated as well.
Out with the old (skin cells). If you don’t already do so, start exfoliating a few times a week. This will help remove dead skin, allowing any lotions you use to sink in faster and deeper. And be sure to apply your moisturizer right after you shower, locking in the moisture.
Speaking of moisturizer…don’t use the same one year-round. In the summer, lighter lotions do the trick. But in the winter, it’s important to make the switch to an oil-based moisturizer, which is found in many creams in tubs. These might feel a little greasy, but they create a protective layer on the skin that’s well worth it during the cold months. Read the label and make sure it’s face-friendly before using the cream above your neck. A lot of the oil-based creams are great for your body but can clog facial pores.
Not all solutions for dry skin are topical. Treat your skin from the inside out by drinking a lot of water, avoiding alcohol, indulging in seafood (those omega-3 fatty acids reduce dryness!) and getting in lots of fruits and veggies. The more fluids you take in, the more hydrated your skin will be.
A few other favorite tips:
- Have humidifiers placed throughout your home to increase moisture in the air.
- Don’t lick your lips. It actually makes them more chapped! Use a lip balm with shea or Vitamin E oil instead.
- The one thing that should not change from summer to winter is wearing sunscreen. It is just as important to wear SPF 50 on your face, neck and hands during cold months.
- Wear gloves. Protecting your hands from dry air and wind will help dramatically when it comes to keeping them well moisturized.
Photo credit: Zenspa1
