Some consider winter to be the most wonderful time of the year. The holiday celebrations, glistening snowfall and perfect cuddle weather – what’s not to like? Well, dry skin, that’s what. Between the frigid air and wind and excess indoor heat, your skin takes a serious beating during the winter months. It may seem impossible to achieve supple, moisturized skin until spring swings back around, but it’s not. There are plenty of ways you can take care of your skin to make sure winter doesn’t consist of cracked hands, chapped feet and a dry complexion. Here are a few winter skincare tips that’ll keep your skin soft and smooth year-round.
Use products based on the season
When it comes to taking care of your skin during the winter, it’s crucial to use different products than the ones you’re applying in the summer, according to Elle Magazine. Dermatologist David Bank told the source that the biggest skin struggle between winter and summer is that it’s always drying out and losing its glow, so switching products is a must.
“Just like you don’t wear the same clothing in August and February, you don’t want to use the same products,” he stated.
So, instead of using a gel toner or cleanser like you would use in the summer, opt for a moisturizing cleanser during the winter.
Switch out your gel-based toners and cleansers for moisturizing products.Keep exercising
Dermatologist Patricia Wexler told Elle magazine that half of the reason your skin looks so good in the summer is because you’re getting more exercise outside and taking in more fluids – the combination produces your skin’s radiant glow. She suggested continuing to exercise and taking in tons of water.
“It doesn’t have to be outside as long as you do enough to bring a flush to the skin by getting your blood circulating and your pulse rate up,” she said.
Don’t let the winter blues get you down – keep going to the gym or workout in the comfort of your own home.
Moisturize while skin is damp
No matter where you are, it’s always important to apply lotion to damp skin. According to Allure, you have about a three-minute window to apply moisturizer after cleansing for best results. Jeannette Graf, assistant clinical professor of dermatology at Mount Sinai Medical Center, told the source that if you wait any longer than three minutes, the moisture starts to disappear from your skin before you can even lock it in. If you notice your skin is dry during the day, simply splash a little water on it before applying lotion.
“Consider shampooing two or three times a week.”
Shampoo less
According to Prevention magazine, washing your hair daily exhausts the natural oils on your scalp. It also means you’re probably over using high-heat hair styling tools such as blow dryers, curling irons and flat irons. Consider shampooing every two or three days and giving your hair a break from the styling tools. This is an easy way to keep your scalp from drying out and avoid the chance of getting dandruff.
Take shorter showers
Though the cold, bitter temperatures of winter will make you want to stay in a hot shower for hours, it’s not the best idea if you’re trying to avoid getting dry skin. Bank told Prevention that hot water “strips skin of its natural oils, leaving it dehydrated and itchy.” A long, hot shower may feel great at the time, but your dry, cracked skin won’t feel wonderful after the fact.
