Winter Skincare Routine
As we head into winter, we start decorating, changing our wardrobe, even changing our meal routines. But just as important as what you wear and what you eat is what you put on your skin. Cooler weather means less moisture in the air which is bad news for your skin. Set your skin up for success with a change in your skincare routine. Here are a few ways to keep your skin moisturized and healthy through the season.
Invest in a Humidifier
Cooler winter air means drier air, and that means less moisture for your skin to soak in. The cooler temperatures also mean you’ll want to crank up that heater. But do your best to resist at all costs because nothing will dry out your skin (and air passages) more than the air from a heater. Throw on some sweaters and snuggle under the covers instead to give your skin a fighting chance.
Cut Back on Exfoliating
Exfoliating regularly is normally good for your skin, allowing you to rub off those dead skin cells. But during the winter, doing too much exfoliating will remove your natural oils and dry out your skin. Cut back on the frequency to allow your skin to keep its natural oils whenever possible.
Pat Dry, then Moisturize
You can use oils, serums and creams, but at the end of the day, the only thing that really moisturizes and hydrates is water. When you come out of the shower, pat your skin dry and add lotion and moisturizer to lock in the moisture. Oils and serums do a good job of this as well.
Sunscreen
The thing about a winter wonderland is that it’s reflective. All the snow-covered surroundings mean the sun’s rays will be bouncing off every surface and onto your skin. Wearing sunscreen will protect your skin from those harmful UV rays. Wearing fabrics that have UV ray protection is another great way to keep your skin from getting sun damage. Incorporate day to day wear like long-sleeved tops and leggings with UV ray protection.
Lip Balm & Body Moisturizers
Lotion and lip balm are musts at all times during winter! It doesn’t take very long for a cool gust of wind to dry out those lips. Avoid cracked, chapped lips by having some chapstick, preferably with all organic ingredients. Keep lotions with you throughout your days to ensure moisturized skin. This is also key in anti-aging, as well as feeling and looking hydrated during the winter season.
Add Some Key Ingredients to the Line-Up
If you don’t already use these items in your skin regimen, you’ll want to add them, at least during this season:
Aloe Vera: This is the one of the best natural moisturizers you can get your hands on. If you have a plant, amazing, if not, you can find aloe vera in stores or online. This plant gives your skin an instant blast of hydration that is much needed in cold winter weather.
Glycerin: The natural oils in your skin get stripped away every time you shower because of the hot water, the soaps and the scrubbing. Glycerin actually draws the natural oils that are already deep within your skin to the surface and helps lock them in to preserve your moisture.
Hyaluronic Acid: This ingredient can be a powerful way to keep your skin moisturized, but only if used correctly. Add it to damp skin as the first thing, before any other moisturizers or serums so it binds to the water and plumps the skin. Then, put other moisturizers on top of it for a complete moisture treatment.
