Winter can bring many changes to our skin. Due to the cold and dry weather, our skin may become dry and flaky and prone to cracking, itching and redness. To make sure you keep your skin looking and feeling its best during the colder months, here are 5 tips to help you maintain healthy skin.
1. Moisturize Regularly
During the colder months, it’s important to keep your skin hydrated with a good moisturizer. Look for a moisturizer that contains natural oils like jojoba or coconut oil to help lock in moisture. It’s best to apply the moisturizer right after you shower or bath, as this helps to trap in moisture and protect your skin.
2. Avoid Harsh Cleansers
Many people think they should use harsher cleansers in the winter to deal with dry skin, but this can actually be counter intuitive and cause more harm than good. Using harsh cleansers can make the skin drier and leave you more prone to irritation. Stick to the same gentle cleanser you use the rest of the year to keep your skin clean without stripping it of essential moisture.
3. Limit Hot Showers
Long, hot showers feel great in winter, but they can be really damaging to your skin. Hot water strips away healthy oils and can make skin dry, tight and itchy. Try to limit hot showers to no more than 10 minutes and use warm water instead of hot. Finish with a blast of cold water to help close your pores.
4. Wear Sunscreen
Just because it’s cold and cloudy doesn’t mean the sun isn’t doing damage to your skin. In fact, it can be even more harmful when temperatures outside are lower, as the snow and ice can reflect the UV rays from the sun and increase the damage. Make sure you wear sunscreen every day, even in the winter, to protect your skin from sun damage.
5. Eat a Balanced Diet
Having a healthy diet is important for healthy skin all year round. Eating foods high in vitamins, minerals and healthy fats helps to keep your skin hydrated and looking its best. Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants, such as nuts, seeds, oils and fresh vegetables can help keep your skin looking and feeling healthy.
By following these tips, you can help keep your skin looking healthy and glowing during the cold winter months.
What are some natural skin care tips for winter?
1. Moisturize Your Skin Right Away – Pat your skin with a soft towel after you wash your face. Then, immediately apply a thin layer of moisturizer to lock in moisture.
2. Use Oils and Lotions – Apply plant-based oils, such as almond oil, to your skin to hydrate. A few drops of essential oil, such as chamomile, lavender, or rosemary, can boost the moisturizing properties of the oils.
3. Choose Nourishing Ingredients – Plant-based ingredients like coconut oil and vitamin E have moisturizing and anti-inflammatory properties that can help protect your skin from the cold weather.
4. Exfoliate Your Skin – A gentle exfoliation helps remove dead cells and helps your skin breathe better.
5. Use Sunscreen -Even during the winter months, sunscreen is an important way to protect your skin against the sun’s harmful rays.
6. Hydrate From Within – Drinking plenty of water helps your skin stay hydrated and healthy. Try drinking herbal teas and oatmeal smoothies to stay hydrated and get the vitamins and minerals needed for healthy skin.
What are some tips for winter skincare for sensitive skin?
1. Moisturize! Moisturizing helps keep skin hydrated, which can reduce and prevent the redness or irritation that often comes with sensitivity. Choose a moisturizer specifically formulated for sensitive skin.
2. Avoid Hot Water. Hot water can strip your skin of its natural oils, which can increase sensitivity. Use lukewarm water and shorter showers instead.
3. Use Sunscreen. Even though it is cold outside and the sun is not as strong, the UV rays are still present all year round. Use a sunscreen specifically formulated for sensitive skin and reapply as needed.
4. Exfoliate. Gently exfoliating your skin with a chemical or manual exfoliator can help to remove dead skin cells and help your skin better absorb moisturizers.
5. Use Gentle Cleansers. Cleansers can also strip your skin of natural oils if not formulated for sensitive skin. Choose cleansers with ingredients like aloe vera or rosemary oil, which are known to soothe skin.
6. Avoid Fragrances. Fragrances, especially synthetic fragrances, can be harsh on sensitive skin. Try to opt for skin care products that are free of fragrances or opt for all-natural scents.
What type of moisturizer is best for sensitive skin in winter?
A moisturizer for sensitive skin in winter should be oil-based, non-comedogenic, hypoallergenic, and free from fragrances, alcohol, and other potentially irritating ingredients. Ceramides-based moisturizers, cold cream-based moisturizers, and ointments may be best for someone with sensitive skin. It is also important to select a product specifically formulated for sensitive skin.
