Cold weather, harsh winds and dry indoor air can really dry out your skin and take a toll on its texture. It is important to adjust your skin care routine as the seasons change because environmental conditions are a key contributor to overall skin care. During the chilly months, it’s common to experience skin that feels drier or dehydrated. Switch your skincare routine with these natural and simple tips that will keep it feeling healthy, fresh and soft this winter.
Swap your moisturizer:
Swap out your light and breezy moisturizer for something a little richer, thicker and more emollient. As the weather turns cooler, it is recommended to implement more emollient and moisturizing products such as layering an organic oil like Argan oil underneath your moisturizer. This will help seal water in your skin and will keep it hydrated for a longer time. Choose organic and know your ingredients.
Add facial serums to your routine:
Leveraging a nourishing facial serum that supports the skin barrier- making it more resistant to drier conditions. They actually help provide an extra layer of protection and hydration. Look for a daily/ nightly serum filled with essential oils like Rosehip.
Drink plenty of water:
When it’s cold outside we often forget to drink enough water throughout the day, but this is just when low humidity is most likely to strip our poor skin of its moisture. By keeping your body hydrated, your skin will naturally follow suit. Getting the daily requirement of water eliminates many toxins and keeps skin clear and hydrated.
Exfoliate for excellent skin:
Listen to your skin! If you are getting flakier in the colder months, that’s a sure sign that your skincare routine needs an update. In addition to heavy moisturizer, your skin may also be asking for more exfoliation. As the body ages, its natural ability to regenerate a new layer slows down. Gentle exfoliation will slough off old skin cells and reveal fresh, glowing skin. Just be careful with what exfoliation you are choosing and make sure that you aren’t overdoing it.
Apply sunscreen – even on Gray winter days:
Some people slack off on SPF in winters because they don’t feel the sun as strongly, but it is just as damaging in the winter months. Apply a moisturizing broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher to all the exposed areas of your body.
Opt for gentle, fragrance-free cleanser:
Antibacterial soaps, skin care products containing alcohol and fragrance-filled soaps strip your skin of natural oils. Avoid using a foaming cleanser, soaps since these products tend to dry out the skin. You should rather switch to a creamy cleanser that contains humectants and will leave your skin feeling hydrated. You can also prevent winter skin problems by using less soap overall. So, limit your lathering to necessary areas such as your hands, armpits, genitals, and feet. Choose natural organic soaps and avoid fragrances instead choose essential oils.
Skip the Topical Acne Medication:
Acne medications with salicylic or glycolic acids treat pimples by drying them out, which inevitably dries out all the skin around the little suckers. Uncomfortable peeling and flaking as a result of acne fighting cleansers and ointments can lead to constant itching and unwanted acne scarring.
Keep those showers short and sweet:
Hot showers and long baths are a big no-no during winters. Nor will excessively hot water dehydrates you, but it will also strip away those necessary oils from your body. During winters your skin will be much better served with a 5-10 min lukewarm shower. You should always avoid using excessively hot water, it can turn your skin red and irritated.
Get your Omega 3 fats:
Sometimes when the skin is very dry, it can be helped by food or supplements that contain Omega 3 or Omega 6 fatty acids such as fish oils, flaxseed oil, Salmon, olive oil and walnuts.
Don’t forget your lips:
Lather your lip balm religiously and consider testing out a lip Exfoliator a few weeks to get rid of any gross dead skin.
Wear appropriate, comfortable, non-irritating clothes:
A lot of cold weather clothing can be uncomfortable when worn in direct contact with your skin. So, try using natural breathable base layers to protect you from any rough or scratchy winter fabrics that are aggravating to your skin when worn alone.
