With winter comes fresh snow, holiday lights, and cute coats. But, it also reveals some less than favorable qualities— like icy roads, freezing weather, and dry, itchy skin that threatens to ruin both your mood and your makeup looks. From the bitter cold to indoor heating, the drier air of the colder months seem to suck the life out of the skin, and it can sometimes be a battle that is too tough for a moisturizer to fight alone. Fortunately, finding a proper beauty routine can muddle your flaky skin dilemma. So, here are six beauty tips that are sure to keep your skin looking fresh and glowing this winter.
- Increase Water Intake
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Before you roll your eyes— water really does help. It nourishes the skin from the inside out by helping your digestive system flush toxins from the body. I always notice a change in my skin’s texture when I am drinking enough water throughout the day. You can motivate yourself to drink more water by getting a cute water bottle or downloading apps like “Waterlogged” that will give you reminders to reach your daily water goal. Stay hydrated, ladies!
- Get a Humidifier
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Humidifiers can give you that ultimate at-home spa feel. By bringing moisture back into the air, they combat indoor heating and help replenish the skin. These can get pricey, but there are many cheaper options that will still look super chic on your bedside table.
- Change Up Your Diet
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Enrich your diet with more fats via foods like walnuts and avocados to curb flaky skin. Omega-3 or omega-6 fatty acids like fish oil also boost hydration, and they can be found in food or supplements. Alcohol and caffeine can promote skin dryness as well, so try to not go overboard with the wine and iced coffee.
- Exfoliate
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Exfoliating may seem counterproductive, but it is essential in repairing dry skin. It opens and cleans the pores, allowing any other skincare products to penetrate deeper. It will also temporarily get rid of the dead, flaky patches on the skin’s surface. But don’t overdo it, as over-exfoliation can lead to even drier skin. Find either a thick, cream-based exfoliator or one with glycolic or lactic acid to gently remove dead skin cells.
- Get a Gentle Cleanser
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Toss any cleansers with harsh ingredients like acids and perfumes, which can strip the skin of its natural oils. Instead, look for gentle cleansers that will hydrate your skin while cleansing.
- Get a Good Moisturizer
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Moisturizer is your best friend. Look for thick, oil-based creams made with ingredients like dimethicone or hyaluronic acid, which will keep your face moisturized. Apply the magical cream each morning and night. I also love to mix a few drops of facial oil into my moisturizer when my skin has those desert vibes.
- DIY Masks
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DIY masks are by far my favorite way to hydrate my skin. Aside from being a fun and therapeutic way to spend your night, mixing together your own face mask is a sure way to hydrate your skin with natural ingredients. You can find inspiration for different masks on Google, YouTube, and Pinterest. Currently, my favorite mask is this honey and coconut oil combination that is a bit sticky but leaves my skin feeling so good.
Follow these tips, and it’s safe to say I see dewy skin in everyone’s future.