Follow these simple steps in order to keep your skin healthy looking, supple and soft during the winter:
1. Your skin still needs moisture
One big misconception is that the thermal sprays and the hydrating creams are only for the summer. If your skin feels too dry and taut during the winter months, it simply means that it needs more moisture. So buy hydrating sprays, moisturizing serums and hydrating masks. Avoid using face soaps or lotions containing alcohol as they can make your skin even drier. Even those women with oily skin should use alcohol-free cleansers during the winter. If your skin becomes hypersensitive, choose cleansing products with a neutral pH. Also, drink plenty of water to keep your body hydrated.
2. Change your face cream or moisturizer
It’s not true that during the winter your cream or moisturizer have to be heavy and thick. One interesting fact is that during the winter your skin type may change. For example, if your skin is oily, it can become normal; the normal skin may become dry and the dry may become hypersensitive. These changes will last only during the winter months with the low humidity & temperatures. Your best choice, no matter your skin type, will be a hydrating cream containing vitamins, essential oils, and nourishing ingredients such as Aloe Vera, Chamomile extract, honey, or Olive Oil.
If your skin is oily you can use your usual face cream, but you can add a moisturizing serum or fluid to your skin care routine. If your skin is dry, look for a product containing lipids, fatty acids, or essential oils. If your skin becomes reddish due to the cold, you should use specially designed products for sensitive skin against redness and broken capillaries.
3. Moisturize your whole body.
You should exfoliate your body regularly to remove the dead skin cells. Moisturize your skin after taking a shower. Choose an oilier hydrating body milk or body lotion to hydrate, soften and nourish your skin. If your skin is very dry or sensitive you can use baby oil or a body oil formula to moisturize and nourish your skin deeply. Apply baby oil immediately after the shower, while your skin is still wet, to trap the moisture in your skin. Apply the oil generously. The winter’s wind is harsh on your skin, so make sure your skin is covered. Always wear gloves, a hat and a scarf. They will prevent the brutal winter weather from causing excessive dryness.
4. Take care of your hands.
It’s essential to moisturize your hands during the cold winter months, especially before you go out. Choose a hand cream that contains vitamins and other nourishing ingredients. Apply the cream at least twice a day to keep your hands soft and moisturized.
5. Don’t forget to protect your skin from the sun.
Using a sunscreen isn’t only for the hot summer months. The winter’s UVA and UVB rays are as harmful as the summer’s. Look for a sunscreen that offers sun protection (SPF 15 or higher) and apply it over your moisturizers or over your face cream to prevent brown spots, redness and skin discolorations. Some of the sun protection products contain cocoa butter, coconut oil, olive oil or Aloe Vera, which also make the skin smooth and soft.
6. Protect your lips.
Chapped lips are something very common during the winter months. The skin on your lips is very delicate and becomes dehydrated very easily. An oilier lip balm is the best way to prevent chapped and sore lips. Use a lip balm with moisturizing ingredients, Vaseline, or petroleum jelly to keep your lips moist and soft. Another way to prevent chapped lips is to exfoliate them with a mild exfoliator and a soft toothbrush, to remove the dead skin cells. Also use lip balms that offer sun protection (with SPF 15 or higher) which are a great choice both for the summer and the winter months. Wax balms are best for preventing dry, chapped lips.
