The cold and dry winter season is undoubtedly not the best time for your skin. The air’s lack of humidity and moisture can make your skin feel tight, itchy, and even prone to breakouts. Plus, it is no secret that our skin is particularly sensitive in winter and deserves special care.
If you leave your skin in the hands of fate in winter, you may find that your skin dries out faster and becomes more sensitive throughout the winter months. Before I started applying these tips, I used to take chapped lips or skin as a part of winter. It was uncomfortable and painful, but it was winter’s fault, not mine, right? How reckless I was!
Winter can indeed wreak havoc on our skin, but if we take enough care of it, we can keep it healthy and good-looking, and we won’t have to lick our chapped and dry lips constantly. Here are 5 tips on how to keep your skin healthy in winter that work for me.
Nourish your skin from within
As you probably know, the surface of your skin is just the beginning. The health of your skin depends on your skin’s condition from within, too. A good diet rich in antioxidants and vitamins can help your body produce collagen, which is what keeps your skin plump and youthful. A diet high in iron is especially important for women in their childbearing years, as it can help to prevent iron deficiency, which can lead to skin issues such as ichthyosis and/or scaly, dry skin.
While you can’t change the weather, you can change your diet, which can make a big difference in the health of your skin. A diet rich in antioxidants, lean proteins, and healthy fats can protect your skin from damage and keep it looking healthy, whatever the weather.
I must not forget to add that a proper drinking regime should be part of every healthy diet. Especially in extreme conditions such as summer or winter, it is vital to stay hydrated.
Use nourishing creams (and they don’t always have to be pricey!)
When the weather starts to cool down, it is a great time to switch from a lighter moisturizer to a richer cream formula. Creams tend to be more nourishing than lotions, and it’s a good idea to switch to a richer formula as the weather gets colder. This way, you can help to seal in your skin’s own moisture and keep your skin from getting as dry and tight.
When choosing a moisturizer, try to find one rich in antioxidants and vitamins. This will help to nourish your skin while keeping it looking healthy and youthful, even as you get older. And no, it doesn’t have to be expensive! There are a number of cheap products that are many times better than the expensive ones that you see everywhere in advertisements or on the internet.
You may also want to consider switching to face oil, which can provide much-needed moisture to your skin.
Exfoliate regularly
Winter is the perfect time to kick your skincare routine up a notch. This is a great time to make sure that your skincare routine includes a gentle exfoliating scrub. Exfoliating regularly can help to remove dead skin cells, meaning that your skincare products are more likely to sink into your skin, rather than just sitting on top of it.
A gentle exfoliating scrub is also perfect for sensitive skin, as it can help remove dull, dry skin cells without being too harsh. Exfoliating regularly can make your skin look brighter, smoother, and more youthful. It can also help to prevent ingrown hairs if you’re prone to shaving your facial hair.
Personally, I’m a fan of homemade exfoliating masks over store-bought ones. However, it depends on you what is more convenient for you. If you want to make a homemade mask, all you have to do is, for example, mix olive oil with cane sugar or honey with oatmeal. Often times these masks are more effective and undoubtedly cheaper than store-bought ones.
Don’t forget the SPF
It might feel like SPF cream is a waste of time, especially in winter. But when you’re out and about, you are constantly exposed to UV rays that can damage your skin. By regularly applying SPF cream, you can help protect your skin from sun damage and premature aging.
Your skin is just as important in the winter as it is in the summer, and the sun’s rays can damage your skin, even when they are less intense. It’s important to ensure that you wear sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15 in the winter, as the ultraviolet rays are not as strong as in summer. This will help to reduce the risk of hyperpigmentation, as well as wrinkles and dark spots.
Read also: 11 Natural Signs of A Harsh Winter
Your lips deserve special care, too!
Lips need loving, too, especially in the winter when the cold and dry air can make them extra dry and chapped. While you can protect your lips with a special sunscreen, it’s important to ensure that you are also applying a lip balm. It’s a good idea to switch to a lip balm with a higher SPF in the winter, as the cold and dry air can make your lips even more vulnerable to UV damage.
To moisturize your lips as much as possible, you may want to look for a lip balm with shea butter or coconut oil. These ingredients are highly moisturizing and can help keep your lips soft and healthy.
Brrr, let’s beat winter together!
When I hear about winter or know the winter season is approaching, I start stocking up on creams and preparing homemade face mask mixes. I don’t like winter (I just like looking at the snow from outside the window), but the weather is something we can’t control. However, what we can influence is how our face and skin look. If you want to keep your skin looking healthy or avoid chapped skin or lips, try these tips.
