Having healthy, beautiful skin is something that many strive for. However, during the winter season, it can be a battle to keep your skin radiant and supple. The cold weather can cause your skin to become dry and flaky and can even cause your skin to crack and bleed (especially on your hands). Your poor skin can even become chapped while you stay indoors since forced indoor heating can leave your skin dry and flaky. Following the same skincare routine as you did in the summer and fall months, don’t cut it during the winter, so it is important to change up your routine during the winter season. Following our helpful winter skincare tips below can help you keep your skin radiant and moisturized all season long.
The winter season affects all skin types. As the temperatures drop, the cold can wreak havoc on your skin. However, by following these useful winter skincare tips, you can fight back.
Winter Skincare Tips: What Can I Do to Keep My Skin Healthy and Supple this Winter?
1. Hydration is vital, especially during the winter. While this may be easier to do when it’s hot out, it is still equally important during the colder months. Not only is it necessary for your body to function correctly, but staying hydrated can help keep your skin glowing and make any fine lines and wrinkles look less prominent.
2. While you may be tempted to take a hot shower during the winter, it is not advised. Hot water can strip away your skin’s natural moisture, leaving your skin even drier after the fact. Instead, take a lukewarm shower, and be sure to moisturize afterward.
3. When you apply lotion to your skin, make sure it’s not a water-based moisturizer. Water-based moisturizers are meant to be used during the warmer months, not when it’s cold outside. Instead, use one that is oil-based, which is heavier and will offer more protection from the brutal cold.
4. Baby, it’s cold outside, so make sure you bundle up and dress appropriately for the weather. Wearing scarves, hats, and gloves are essential to help protect your skin from the elements. Bundling up properly is also important. Just make sure what you are wearing does not irritate your skin. If you feel itchy, wear something breathable underneath or put on another article of clothing that does not cause irritation!
5. Indoor heating is necessary during the winter. However, it usually makes the air dry, which isn’t good for your skin. Even inside your home, dry air will pull moisture away from the skin and leave it feeling dry. To help combat the effects of dry air in your home, invest in a humidifier to add some moisture back into the air, especially in the areas you spend most of your time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Winter weather causes dry and flaky skin because cold temperatures and low humidity levels strip moisture from the skin. Additionally, indoor heating systems further dry out the air, pulling moisture away from the skin and leading to dryness, flakiness, and even cracking.
Hydration remains vital during winter as it helps maintain the skin's glow and reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Drinking enough water supports overall body function and keeps the skin supple despite the drying effects of cold weather and indoor heating.
Hot showers can strip away your skin's natural moisture, making it even drier during winter. Instead, taking lukewarm showers helps preserve the skin's moisture barrier. It is also important to moisturize immediately after showering to lock in hydration.
During winter, oil-based moisturizers are recommended because they are heavier and provide better protection against cold weather. Water-based moisturizers, which are suitable for warmer months, do not offer enough moisture retention in cold, dry conditions.
To protect your skin from winter elements, dress appropriately by wearing scarves, hats, and gloves. These accessories shield your skin from cold air and wind. Also, ensure your clothing does not irritate your skin by wearing breathable layers underneath if needed.
Indoor heating dries out the air inside your home, which pulls moisture from your skin and causes dryness. To combat this, using a humidifier adds moisture back into the air, especially in frequently used rooms, helping to keep your skin hydrated and comfortable.
