Winter is rough on your skin. It depletes your skin of its natural lipid layer causing dry, blotchy, itchy skin. It can be frustrating to deal with; it seems like no matter how much lotion you slab on, that dry patch just won’t go away. As impossible as it may seem to get back that healthy, summer glow, it’s not. If you’re really having issues you should schedule an appointment with a dermatologist, who can recommend the best options for your skin type. Otherwise follow these tips for beautiful, glowing skin – even in the winter!
-It probably seems like your medicine cabinet is already overflowing, from the latest age-reversing serums to the firming lotions that promise to get rid of cellulite once and for all. Its expensive trying to keep up with all these miracle-workers! Not only do they eat up your wallet, some of these products dry out your skin even more. You have to prioritize and take care of the most important thing first – the foundation of your skin. Put all the other stuff on the back-burner for now!
-Moisturize. Normal, healthy skin is coated in a layer of natural lipids. They keep in moisture and leave you with that soft, smooth skin you love! Winter weather strips it away, so it’s important to replace that with a little help from moisturizers. It might seem obvious to put on lotion to avoid dry skin, but you’d be surprised how many people either don’t put any on, or don’t put it on right. Don’t wait until your skin is dry and flaky to apply moisturizers. The key is to apply lotion right after your shower when your skin is still damp. Pat yourself dry with a towel, and apply it right away to lock in the moisture.
-Get the right moisturizer for your skin. For rough, dry skin use a thick lotion that is formulated to deep condition and repair dry skin. If you have any rough patches, you want to apply an intense, spot-treatment lotion on those areas. Avoid moisturizers with perfumes, dyes, or alcohols.
-Keep hand lotion on hand! Every time you wash your hands (which is hopefully multiple times a day) you lose moisture. Water, especially hot water, is torture on dry skin. Use lukewarm water, and apply hand lotion immediately after washing.
-Wear gloves. Cold, dry weather can lead to dry, cracked hands. Ever notice random cuts on your hands or knuckles in the winter? The skin on your hands is thinner than on most parts of your body and also has fewer oil glands. This causes dryness, itching, and cracking! Wearing gloves helps protect your hands from the harsh weather.
-Use mild cleaners. Soap and body wash can be too harsh and drying on winter skin. Take the time to find a mild, frangrance-free soap with extra moisturizing power. Stick with a creamy moisturizing cleanser that contains glycerin or petrolatum.
-Exfoliate. You might think exfoliating is too rough on your skin in the winter, but that’s just not true. When you exfoliate you’re getting rid of dead skin cells, which actually helps your skin underneath absorb moisturizers. However, use something a little milder on your face – exfoliating scrubs can be too rough on your face in the winter.
-Take warm, not hot, showers. This is probably the hardest tip to follow because who doesn’t love a hot, steamy shower in the winter? But hot water is harsh on the skin, breaking down the lipid barriers and leaving you with dry skin. Try a warm shower, and keep it short – the less time spent soaking in water, the less moisture you’ll lose!
-Try a humidifier. Central heating systems can really dry out the air. A humidifier puts moisture back in the air, keeping your skin from drying out too much.
-Itchy scalp? This is one of the most frustrating, often embarrassing side effects of dry skin. No one likes flakes! Try a sulfate-free shampoo, which seriously helps moisturize and repair your hair and scalp. Whether you have dandruff or just an itchy, dry scalp, this stuff works wonders.
-Apply sunscreen. Believe it or not, sunscreen isn’t just for summertime! Your skin is still exposed to the sun during the winter and needs to be protected. You don’t need to slather it all over your body, but if you spend time outdoors you should apply it to your face and hands (if not covered).
-Eat your way to healthy skin! Vitamin A, Bs and C are all essential vitamins for skin health. Omega-3 fatty acids also help keep the skin healthy. Fish, fish oil supplements, and flax are excellent sources of Omega-3 fatty acids.
-Take a daily multivitamin. Dry skin can be caused by a lack of essential vitamins that we can’t always get from food, but aim for a balanced diet with plenty of fruits, vegetanles, and whole grains!
