Winter can severely damage our skin, but it doesn’t have to. If the cold, blustery conditions outside have left your skin feeling raw, irritated, and itchy in the past, it’s time to take action by caring for your skin with the frigid season in mind.
Unfortunately, even the things that make winter so wonderful can leave our skin feeling dry. For instance, those chestnuts roasting on an open fire might warm your heart and tootsies, but that fire is also drying out your skin, according to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD). While a hot shower can help us stay warm, warmer water dries out the skin too. So does cranking up the heat in the house.
Luckilly, there are some simple and effective ways to combat dry skin during winter. The key is doing them consistently. So if you’re ready to help your skin stay moist all snowy season and then some, it’s time to make some changes to your everyday routine.
Here are the 6 best ways to achieve and maintain healthy winter skin.
Invest in a Humidifier
I’m sure it goes without saying, but moisture is the key to keeping skin soft. And so, humidifiers are one of the best dry skin hacks in existence. Using a humidifier in your home or office will add significant moisture to the dry winter air. In turn, your skin won’t have as much trouble staying hydrated during harsher conditions.
Place your humidifier in the rooms you spend most of your time in, especially your bedroom. We tend to lose a significant amount of moisture while we sleep. To help on your search, here are the 12 best humidifiers on the market right now, compliments of The Strategist.
Take Shorter & Not-So-Hot Showers
Long, steamy showers might seem like the best idea in the long, cold winter. But no matter how tempting, don’t do it. Instead, limit your shower time and temperature. Your skin will be much happier. Skin experts recommend a 5- to 10-minute lukewarm shower (or bath).
Try to avoid using excessively hot water when you wash your hands as well. The rule of thumb is: if you’re skin’s turning red, the water is too hot. And don’t worry, washing your hands in cooler water is believed to be just as effective at removing germs as warm water, according to the Centers for Disease Control. It’s also less irritating to skin.
Modify Your Skincare Regimen for the Season
As the seasons change, so do your skincare requirements. In winter, opt for cream-based cleansers. Apply toners and astringents sparingly, if at all. If you notice your skin feeling dry and itchy, the AAD says to stop using products containing alcohol and fragrances immediately. The goal is to help your skin retain its natural oils. Before bedtime, use a rich moisturizer on your face.
But don’t leave your lips out! Apply a moisturizing balm to heal dry, cracked lips during the day, and maybe even apply a lip mask at night. Also, be sure to go with a gentle, fragrance-free soap when you’re washing your hands and face. The wrong soap can make dry skin more irritated. And remember, when it comes to cleansers, less is always more in winter.
Moisturize More Often
Not only should you use a richer moisturizer during the dryer months, you should be using moisturizer more often. And don’t forget your hands. Lotions are always better suited for warmer, humid climates. In colder areas, opt for creams and ointments.
Plus, you’ll be washing your hands more frequently than usual during flu season. The constant stripping of the skin caused by hand washing will leave your hands dry, cracked, and in need of repair. To combat this common problem, be sure to moisturize your face a few times daily and apply hand creams after you’ve washed them.
Don’t Skip the Sunscreen
Even on gray days, you need to wear sunscreen. Not to mention, on bright, snowy days, the snow reflects the sun rays, increasing your risk of sun damage and skin cancer.
So whether you’re out on the slopes or going to the grocery store, be sure to apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher just as you would during the long, hot months of summer.
Stay Healthy
Taking care of your skin isn’t just about taking care of it on the outside. Your diet also plays a major role. Various supplements and foods containing omega-3 or omega-6 fatty acids, such as fish oil and flaxseed oil, can help your skin stay strong and supple.
With that said, leading dermatologists agree that you should not skimp on what you’re putting on your skin in winter, even if your diet is more hearty than healthy when it’s cold.
