It's no secret that cold weather can take a toll on your skin. But with a few simple tweaks to your skincare routine, you can help keep your skin healthy and hydrated all winter long. Here are our top tips:
Prep your skin before heading outdoors.
It’s important to keep your skin hydrated year-round, but it’s especially important in cold weather. The dry air sucks the moisture out of your skin, leaving it parched, irritated, and more susceptible to damage. To combat this, make sure to moisturize regularly—at least twice a day. Look for a creamy, oil-based moisturizer that will help create a barrier against the elements.
Exfoliate weekly.
In addition to regular moisturizing, you should also be exfoliating your skin at least once a week. This will help slough off dead skin cells and allow your moisturizer to better penetrate the skin. A gentle physical or chemical exfoliant will do the trick—just be careful not to overdo it, as this can also lead to irritation.
Use a face serum.
Face serums are a great way to give your skin an extra boost of hydration and nutrients. They’re typically lighter in texture than moisturizers, so they won’t clog your pores or leave you feeling greasy. Look for a serum with hyaluronic acid or glycerin—two ingredients that are known for their ability to attract and retain water—to help plump up your skin cells and smooth out fine lines and wrinkles.
Stay hydrated.
Water is essential for healthy skin. It helps to keep your skin cells hydrated and prevents them from becoming dry and flaky. You should aim to drink eight glasses of water a day, or more if you can.
Use a hydrating face mask.
A hydrating face mask can help to replenish your skin’s moisture levels, making it look and feel softer and smoother. Look for masks that contain hyaluronic acid or glycerin, which are both excellent ingredients for hydration.
Avoid long hot showers.
While a hot shower may feel good on a cold day, the hot water can strip your skin of its natural oils, leaving it dry and irritated. Try to keep your showers lukewarm and limit the amount of time you spend in the shower.
Use a humidifier.
If you live in a climate that is particularly dry, using a humidifier in your home can help to prevent your skin from drying out. This is because humidifiers add moisture to the air, which can then be absorbed by your skin.
Avoid sugary and processed foods.
Sugary and processed foods can cause inflammation in the body, which can lead to dull, lackluster skin. To keep your skin looking its best, it’s important to avoid these types of foods as much as possible.
Use a heavier night cream.
As you sleep, your skin repairs itself, so it's a good idea to use a richer cream or oil at night to provide extra hydration while you sleep.
Conclusion
If you want to keep your skin care routine on track in cold climates, there are a few things you can do. First, prep your skin before heading outdoors by moisturizing regularly, exfoliating weekly, and using a face serum. Second, stay hydrated by drinking lots of water and using a hydrating face mask or humidifier. Third, eat healthy by eating plenty of fruits and vegetables and avoiding sugary and processed foods. By following these tips, you can maintain healthy skin all winter long!
