This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at American chapter.
Just because the sun isn’t glowing doesn’t mean that your skin can’t either. Dry skin is most common during the winter because cold air lacks humidity and dries up natural oils in your skin. Here are some quick tips to staying hydrated during these long winter months.
- Drink lots of water. While most people feel water is a boring beverage, it provides a lot of health benefits. This includes stabilizing your immune system, preventing dry and cracked skin, and combating wrinkles. If you want to spruce up your water, try adding honey or citrusy fruit. These are easy, low calorie drinks to make with hidden health benefits. Here are some flavored water ideas.
- Cut back on caffeine and alcohol intake, since they are diuretics. Substitute these drinks for a more hydrating beverage, such as one listed above.
- Use oil based moisturizers rather than water based. Cold weather air lacks humidity, which dries up the natural oils in your skin. Oil based moisturizers will retain more moisture, preventing dryness and cracks.
- Invest in a humidifier. Artificial heat from furnaces dries out a room, but trusty humidifiers add moisture to the air! Along with preventing dry skin, it will also relieve symptoms of a stuffy nose and decrease the chances of a nosebleed from the change in pressure. Bed Bath & Beyond sells a small, portable humidifier that is perfect for dorm rooms.
- Wear lip balm. Lips are one of the most sensitive parts on your body and need extra protection during cold winter months. Use a good petroleum jelly or lip balm from a trusted (and cruelty-free) skin care company. Lip balms should be at least SPF 15 and contain an antiseptic to aid in healing.
- Did we say SPF? Yes we did! Applying sunscreen is just as important in the winter as it is in the summer. The sun combined with snow glare can be very damaging to your skin.
- Moisturize your hands and feet as well as your face because they need special attention too. Keep a bottle of lotion in your purse and invest in a pumice stone.
Here are some more tips and ideas to keep your skin protected from the harsh wind chills this winter season.
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