Winter can be a challenging time for your skin. The cold, dry air can leave it feeling dry and irritated. But with a few simple steps, you can keep your skin looking and feeling its best all winter long. Here are ten tips to help you take care of your skin in winter.
Cleanse Gently
When your skin feels dry and irritated, it’s essential to cleanse gently. Avoid harsh soaps and cleansers that can strip away your skin’s natural oils. Instead, opt for a milder cleanser or one specifically for sensitive skin. And be sure to rinse with lukewarm water — hot water can further dry out your skin.
Leverage Medicinal Advancements
If you’re dealing with chronic skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis, several new medications can help. But that’s not only for extreme conditions; you can also leverage medicinal advancements for standard skincare. For example, lips are one of the most sensitive skin areas that need to be taken care of. To save your lips and ensure natural-looking skin throughout the winter, you can leverage lip accretion techniques. Talk to your doctor about your options and see if one of these newer treatments might be right.
Use a Humidifier
The dry winter air can do a number on your skin. To help combat dryness, use a humidifier in your home or office. This will add moisture to the air and help keep your skin hydrated. Keep your humidifier clean to avoid introducing bacteria or mold into the air.
Drink Plenty of Water
It’s essential to drink plenty of water all year round, but it’s necessary for winter. When your skin is dry, it’s more susceptible to damage. So, drink eight glasses of water a day to keep your skin looking its best. You might think that drinking a lot of water is necessary only during the summer. However, your skin loses moisture during winter as well. Hence, you need to drink water during this time, too.
Moisturize Regularly
Keeping your skin moisturized is one of the most important things to care for it in winter. Look for a moisturizer that’s oil-based rather than water-based. And be sure to apply it while your skin is still damp from cleansing to help lock in moisture. If your skin is feeling particularly dry, you may also want to use a thick layer of moisturizer before bed and leave it on overnight.
Protect Your Skin
In addition to moisturizing, it’s vital to protect your skin from the elements. When you’re going outside, be sure to dress appropriately. Wear a hat and scarf to protect your face from the wind, and make sure your coat is lined with a material that won’t irritate your skin. You may also want to consider using a humidifier in your home to help add moisture to the air.
Limit Your Time in the Shower
It can be tempting to take a long, hot shower when it’s cold outside. But too much time in the rain can strip away your skin’s natural oils, leaving it feeling dry and irritated. So limit your time in the shower to 10 minutes or less, and use lukewarm water rather than hot. If you are using cold water during the winter, you can ignore this tip as it’s only the hot water that can impact your skin cells.
Gently Exfoliate
Your skin cells renew themselves every 28 days or so. But in winter, that process can slow down, leaving your skin looking dull. Gently exfoliating a few times a week can help remove dead skin cells and give your skin a healthy glow.
Choose the Right Products
When it comes to winter skincare, choose products that are right for your skin type. If you have dry skin, look for products labeled “hydrating” or “moisturizing.” And if you have sensitive skin, be sure to choose products that are “hypoallergenic” and “fragrance-free.”
See a Dermatologist
If you’re struggling to take care of your skin in winter, it may be time to see a dermatologist. A dermatologist can help you identify any underlying skin conditions and recommend the best treatment options. They can also help you choose the right products for your skin type and provide tips on the best winter care.
Taking care of your skin in winter doesn’t have to be complicated. With a few simple steps, you can keep your skin looking and feeling its best all season long. Follow the tips mentioned in this article, and be sure to consult with a dermatologist if you have any concerns.
