The cold winter months are the worst or your skin. The frigid temperatures makes your skin dry and flaky, as well as those winter blues stressing you out. Here are some tips to make sure your skin is hydrated and healthy this winter!
1. Modify your skincare routine
During the winter months, any toners and creams with alcohol or fragrances can easily dry up your skin. Try swapping out your usual products for cream-based cleansers and heavier moisturizers to retain your skin’s natural oils.
2. Moisturize religiously
Hand washing is vital during the winter months, especially during cold and flu season. However, washing your hands constantly or taking frequent showers can actually strip your skin of its natural oils, therefore leaving it dry and desperate for moisture. Applying a layer of thick lotion or cream after each shower can help combat dry skin and restore the skin’s natural moisture.
3. Applying sunscreen, even on cloudy days
Even on cold winter days with snow covering the ground, it is crucial to wear sunscreen. The snow reflects the sun’s rays, increasing your risk of exposure. Throughout the year, using a nourishing sunscreen underneath your makeup can have numerous benefits. When applying SPF, don’t forget about about using protection for your lips as well.
4. Stay Hydrated
This one seems obvious, but increasing your water intake can be one of the easiest ways to keep your skin hydrated. For some people, including myself, it can be much more difficult to find satisfaction in a cold glass of water, especially if it’s freezing outside. However, hot drinks count too; and no, I’m not talking about coffee. Try keeping warm with a cup of tea in the morning or even a glass of hot water with lemon.
5. Exfoliate…but not too much
Exfoliating your skin once or twice a week can be beneficial for getting rid of dead skin cells and for promoting better product absorption. However, during the winter months the skin can actually be more prone to dryness and redness if you over-exfoliate. When my skin is dry, I prefer to use a cream exfoliant on my face without any parabens or fragrances. In order to moisturize and refine my skin, I like to use the 7 Day Scrub Cream Rinse-Off Formula from Clinique.
6. Skip the foundation
Since my makeup routine almost always consists of a layer of foundation, applying it during the winter months can become complicated due to my skin being dry and flaky. When treating dry skin, oftentimes I like to switching out my usual Tarte foundation for a tinted moisturizer. Let your makeup moisturize your skin for you and give you full coverage. I highly recommend the Renewed Hope In A Jar Skin Tint from Philosophy.