How to Care for Your Skin During Winter

Winter is tough. Harsh winds, freezing rains and blizzards can make it hard to get around. This season can also take a toll on the body. When the temperatures start to drop, now is the time to pay special attention to your skin. A good skin care routine along with proper moisturizing are vitally important.

Drink Up

Many people are aware of the need to stay hydrated during the summer. The same is true when December shows up. Water helps people focus on what they’re doing. Your skin needs a lot of water to look good. Hydrated is healthy. When you’re hiking through a fall of snow, it can be tempting to feet that’s enough moisture. You’ll want to make sure you have lots of water on hand all day. Have a cup of hot tea to warm up in the morning. Bring a warm bottle of flavored seltzer with you as you travel.

Get a Humidifier

Hot baths are relaxing but they can dry out your skin quickly. Many women spend time in the shower to help them get warm after walking. Really hot water can hit your skin hard. Make up for this potential issue by bringing in a humidifier. Humidifiers add lots of subtle water to any room in your home. That helps clear your skin as you sleep. It also helps with your indoor spaces where low humidity is likely to be a problem. Scatter a few humidifiers in your home. That will help you avoid dry and flaking skin.

Load Up on Vegetables

Everyone needs at least a few servings of vegetables each day. Leafy greens, deeply colored squash, purple eggplants and red tomatoes should all be part of your diet at this time. During the winter, it can be harder to find fresh vegetables. Frozen options are just as good as many fresh servings. Look for vegetables that are high in water. Items like cucumbers and celery add crunch and help you get enough water at the same time. A healthy diet during this time of the year will help your skin look even better.

Choose Natural Fabrics

Natural fabrics are designed for winter. Now is the time to bring out the silk scarf and the wool mittens. These are the fabrics you’ll want to reach for time and again as you look for ways to keep out the cold. Fabrics like these help protect your skin. Make sure you’re fully covered up when you’re going to be outside during a fall of snow or when the winds are about to hit. This is a good way to help avoid a serious medical problem from exposure to cold such as hypothermia that can damage your delicate skin.

Exfoliate Carefully

Thick mittens, long scarves and hats all help protect your skin against the cold. But, while they help ward off the cold, lots of layers can leave your skin feeling red, raw and itchy. Combat this problem with a good exfoliating plan. This process takes away those unflattering dead skin cells. It also leaves your skin shinier and softer. Look for formulas that are specifically designed to help combat the sting of winter’s cold. Make time at least once a week to rub the exfoliator against your skin. Grab a cup of homemade soup and let yourself truly relax.

Use Sunscreen

The reason for winter is the earth’s axis tilts away from the sun. Many people think this means they have nothing to worry about when they’re outside. While the sun’s rays aren’t as intense during the winter, they can still damage your skin. Now is the time to make sure you have enough sunscreen on hand. Apply it to all areas that are being exposed as you walk. Look for sunscreens that are easy to apply. Sunscreen can lessen in efficacy over time. Throw out sunscreen immediately after the expiration date and buy a new bottle.