So, I think we can all agree that this winter has been harsh on everyone’s skin. Think about it, through all our layers of clothing, there are still parts of our bodies that are exposed to the thin and dry air. Most of us do our best with making sure we apply moisturizer before we step out, but can’t seem to figure out why it does not last throughout the day. Allow me to further educate and share tips on how to protect your skin from the cold!
Why is it harder to maintain moisture in the winter?
Warmer seasons such as spring and summer give us plenty of time to literally soak up some sun. When we are in the sun for extended periods, our bodies produce moisture which makes it easier to maintain. As we know, winter is the complete opposite compared to the warmer seasons, so we should do what we can to protect our natural gleam and glow.
Water over hot chocolate
I know that when it’s cold we typically lean toward warm beverages from Starbucks and almost nothing else. Though it may be keeping you warm, it is not doing as much for your skin as a bottle of water could. It is VERY important that you still drink plenty of water throughout the winter. Drinking water and having healthy skin go hand in hand. It ensures hydration and contributes to a more plump and healthy outward appearance. Think of it as taking care of your imaginary garden. When you don’t take the time to water your plants, they begin to wilt, lose color, and ultimately look lifeless. We do not want this for our skin, ladies and gentlemen. Even if you are not a fan of icy water, there is always lukewarm/room temperature to look forward to. Just please, do yourself (and your skin) the favor of staying hydrated.
Don’t cook yourself in the shower
If you’ve ever looked closely at your skin after a hot shower, you may have noticed some mild to moderate patches of dryness. This is because you are not supposed to use incredibly hot water on your skin because it will strip your body of its oils and moisture rather quickly. When bathing in the winter, it is highly recommended to use lukewarm water instead. It may not sound like the most relaxing downtime, but your skin will appreciate the consideration. Some people even prefer taking cold showers. A cold shower is a little extreme for my taste, but if you dare to be different, it won’t harm you.
Moisturize!
Each time you exfoliate, take a shower, wash your hands, or even lick your lips, make it a habit to apply moisturizer afterwards. I can guarantee that you will not enjoy the pain of having chapped or cracked skin anywhere. Making sure to invest in quality moisturizers will pay you back ten-fold. For your body, the best moisturizers during winter will be oil-based rather than water or petroleum based. Oil-based moisturizers will give your skin a heavier coating which allows for it to help your skin much longer. Here are some specifics for taking care of your face. If your facial skin type is normal, a good cream-based moisturizer is recommended to avoid extreme oiliness or dryness. If you have dry facial skin, go for an oil-based moisturizer. Giving oil back to your skin will help to balance out any dryness or irritation. If your skin is oily, it is still recommended that you apply moisturizer, but be sure that it is water-based to avoid an oil build-up. An extra step that I use to help seal the moisture is applying facial masks before bed. It leaves my skin looking refreshed and lively before I sleep. Thanks to the night masks, I’ve noticed that I don’t have to work as hard in the morning to feel moisturized. Super helpful!
Please be sure to do some research on what works best for your skin before purchashing anything. There’s a moisturizer for everyone and, when applied often, they are guaranteed to keep every skin type happy this winter. Lastly, your lips will always appreciate some lip balm to avoid skin peeling and cracking. I highly recommend the Burt’s Bees lip balm line, because it’s all-natural lip balm that gives a great coating of moisture without the greasy feeling. Plus, they come in delicious scents too!
May anyone reading this benefit from these pointers and have a smooth and hydrated winter.
Good luck!