Winter wonderland isn’t exactly doing wonders for your skin. The dry air resulting from the cold weather and low humidity levels wick moisture away from your skin continuously throughout the day. Left on its own, your skin can worsen and lead to cracking and bleeding. Improper use of indoor heat can also rob the air of moisture, as well as hot showers and harsh cleansers.
Hydrating your skin aggressively, especially this winter season, is important to keep your skin glowing and youthful. Reduce lip chapping, skin redness and itching, and bring back the moisture to your skin by following these simple tips:
1. Wear protective clothing
This one should be a no brainer. Never leave the house without wearing the appropriate clothes for winter sun, winter winds and winter snow. Don’t forget to apply sunscreen too, as the winter sun can just be as damaging as summer. Go for a safe option like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide and apply to areas of your body that will get sun exposure.
2. Drink lots of water
Our hands naturally reach for warm drinks like tea or cocoa instead of water during the winter. But remember that your skin gets most of its moisture from the inside. If plain water is too boring, add a squeeze of lemon to warm water for a refreshing and hydrating go-to drink this wintertime.
3. Shower in lukewarm water
Steaming baths are the one of the best winter things to do, but if you can, try to avoid using hot water as this may strip away necessary oils away from your skin. Opt for lukewarm water instead.
4. Be careful in choosing your moisturizer
Petroleum-based moisturizers can actually worsen your skin dryness during the winter months. Choose formulations that have natural, hydrating ingredients. Pick an oil-based solution instead of a water-based one, as it’s more effective in keeping the moisture in during the winter.
5. Moisturize immediately after washing
Moisturizing immediately after washing helps seal the dampness into your skin. Keep your moisturizer within reach near the bathtub, shower stall, and the sink, and use it generously after every wash.
6. Moisturize overnight
There are areas in your body that are dryer and thinner so they tend to lose moisture faster than the other parts of your body. Concentrate on your hands, elbows, feet, and knees by applying a deep moisturizing balm on those areas before you sleep, then wear socks and gloves to help keep the moisture in until morning.
7. Humidify
Heating systems strip the air of moisture, so consider enlisting the help of a humidifier in your bedroom. This will put back some moisture into the air and prevent your skin from drying out.
Read the full article by Be Well here to see more skin hydrating tips for winter.
What is your skin hydration regimen this winter season? Help a sister and share it in the comments below!