Ah, winter. Snow days, sipping hot cocoa in bed, cozy sweaters and boots, cuddling with a special someone by the fire… It is truly a wonderful time of year. However, there is a pesky little problem with this glorious season: Dry skin.
Cold, dry days and killer winter winds can take a toll on your delicate skin. Follow these tips to keep your skin soft as a baby’s bottom all season long!
Exfoliate
Exfoliate. Exfoliate. Exfoliate. It’s that important! When you wash your face, gently scrub your skin with a washcloth. The friction will remove the dead skin cells that make your face feel dry and stiff. Don’t exfoliate too often though, or your skin may become very sensitive. You could also try using an exfoliating scrub that cleans and exfoliates all at the same time. Try the St. Ives Exfoliating Apricot Scrub for a fresh face that smells good too!
Moisturize
There are about a million moisturizers on the market today that cater to all of your dry skin needs. Every person has very unique skin that reacts to different products in different ways. I recommend you try out a few different brands to see what works best for you. Remember, the moisturizer that your friends use may not necessarily mesh well with your own skin. Do a little research and you’ll find the perfect fit!
Water
Water can be your best friend and worst enemy when it comes to dry skin. Be careful not to wash your face too often or spend too much time in the shower. Water can actually dry out your skin when it remains on the skin’s surface. Water is good too, though. Drinking plenty of water on a daily basis keeps you hydrated from the inside-out. Aim for 8 glasses a day to maintain a good, clear complexion.
Humidity
It’s only natural to want to crank up the heat in your bedroom after walking to class in cold, gusty winds. However, temperatures at either extreme contribute to added skin dryness. Try plugging up a humidifier while you sleep to keep the warm air moist, which, in turn, will keep your skin moist all over.
Gloves
Gloves are a must have item for the winter. Not only do they lock in heat, but they keep your hands soft as well. Lather up with your favorite moisturizing lotion before heading out in the cold and then pull on your warmest gloves to help your hands stay moist and warm – killing two birds with one stone in this case.
Caffeine Intake
There is nothing better than a big cup of coffee or hot tea to knock off the winter chill. However, caffeine naturally dehydrates you and your skin. Try to cut back on the amount of caffeine you consume. If you really can’t do without that third latte, try to combat all the caffeine by drinking lots of water!