It’s the time of the year when the temperature drops, days get shorter, and the winds get colder. As exciting as it sounds, our skin often pays the price for it. Winter brings in dry air which strips the moisture from the skin leaving it dry and vulnerable to damage. However, the fun shouldn’t come at the cost of skin health, and with a little bit of extra effort into the skincare routine, your skin can stay safe from the challenges brought by the winter. Let’s learn about it.
HYDRATE
The skin needs to be hydrated from the inside too. So, make sure you drink enough water!
CLEANSE
Let’s kick off with some basic cleansing. You might want to change your regular cleanser and replace it with a hydrating, non-drying cleanser. Look for a sulfate-free cleanser that has moisturizing properties. Ingredients like hyaluronic acid, aloe vera extract, or glycerin suit well. This type of cleanser will not strip the moisture off your skin and cleanse the skin thoroughly. So, no more dry skin after cleansing!
EXFOLIATE
Do but don’t overdo it. Exfoliation is necessary for a radiant complexion, so keep it down to at most twice a week. Use a mild exfoliator to remove the dead skin cells and improve the turnover of the skin cells. A chemical peel treatment is also great for revitalizing and rehydrating dry, winter skin. The magic of exfoliation is that it helps the other skin care products penetrate the skin effectively and give better results. So, it helps the moisturizer to penetrate deeper and keep the skin hydrated.
MOISTURIZE
The cold winter air sucks the moisture out of your skin leaving it dry. To hydrate the skin, use a good quality and non-comedogenic moisturizer. In winter opt for a thicker and cream-based moisturizer. Also, make sure that the moisturizer suits your skin type. The moisturizer creates a barrier on your skin to prevent any loss of moisture. Apply it on damp skin so that it is easy to lock in the extra hydration.
PHOTOPROTECTION
Surprising? But it’s true. In winter though you might feel like you can barely feel the sun, you still are at a risk of sun damage by UV rays. Use a broad-spectrum physical sunscreen with an SPF of 30-50 especially when you go outdoors. This will keep your skin safe and also prevent the premature aging of the skin. Sunscreens with iron oxide will also provide additional protection against blue light.
LIP CARE
Dry and chapped lips? You’re not alone in it. Many of the individuals out there have to battle this issue in the winter. To tackle chapped lips, use a lip balm regularly to keep your lips smooth and plump. Lip balms are better when they have ingredients like cocoa butter, shea butter, and beeswax. It’s also recommended to exfoliate your lips once in a while to remove the dead skin cells. However, you need to be extra careful as the lips are very sensitive and you might damage them if you’re harsh while exfoliating.
SERUMS
Before going to bed, use hydrating serums, and serums with micronized AHAs and BHAs. This will keep your face hydrated overnight and leave your face with a refreshing and plump complexion the next morning, enhancing skin health. Use serums with ingredients like hyaluronic acid.
Don’t miss out on the hydrating masks! Treat your face once in a while with hydrating masks containing ingredients like hyaluronic acid, aloe vera, or glycerin. They work great in replenishing the lost moisture.
HUMIDIFY THE SPACE
Indoor heating systems are not so skin-friendly. They absorb the moisture in the air leaving it dry which adds to the extra dryness in the air. A good humidifier adds moisture to the air which benefits your skin too. If there are any respiratory flare-ups due to dry indoor air, humidifiers by adding back the moisture, help with those too.
DIET
Winters can make you extra hungry so make sure you eat well. Foods that are rich in antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamins work wonders for your skin. Opt for foods like salmon, veggies, fruits, nuts, etc. in your diet. All these foods are great for combating inflammation and giving a better skin complexion.
SLEEP
Your skin repairs itself and regenerates when you sleep. So, make sure you give your body rest with a good night’s sleep. It is usually recommended to aim for 7-9 hours of sleep every day. The pillowcases on which you rest your head need to be of satin or silk. These materials reduce friction and minimize the chances of creases on the face.
The winter doesn’t have to be your foe. With a little extra care, you can embrace the chilly winds and cold temperatures while keeping your skin healthy!