Last Updated on December 12, 2023
What do you love most about winter? The cozy sweaters, hot chocolate by the fireplace, or snowball fights with your loved ones? While winter may bring much joy and cheer, it also brings dry, harsh weather that can wreak havoc on your skin.
The cold air and low humidity can leave your skin feeling dehydrated, dull, and flaky. The constant switch between warm, heated rooms and cold winter air can strip your skin of its natural moisture, leaving it vulnerable to damage.
Fortunately, with a few simple tweaks to your skincare routine, you can keep your skin glowing and healthy all winter. Here are some essential tips on how to take great care of your skin during the cold months.
- Cleanse Your Skin Twice a Day
Cleansing your skin is essential in any skincare routine, but it becomes even more crucial during winter. The cold air and harsh winds can clog your pores with dirt and bacteria, leading to breakouts and other skin issues.
While it may be tempting to skip cleansing in the morning and only do it at night, cleaning your skin twice daily is essential. In the morning, use a gentle cleanser to remove any impurities or excess oil that may have accumulated overnight. In the evening, use a heavier, cream-based cleanser to remove makeup and other pollutants from your skin.
If you have dry or sensitive skin, opt for a mild, fragrance-free cleanser that won’t strip your skin of its natural oils.
- Invest in Humidifier
Our skin needs humidity to stay hydrated and supple. But the cold air can hold onto less water during winter, leaving your skin feeling dry and tight. And with heating systems blasting in every room, the air inside your home can also become dehydrated.
However, investing in a humidifier can help restore moisture to the air and prevent your skin from drying out. Run it in your bedroom while you sleep, or keep one running in the room you spend the most time in during the day.
Try maintaining humidity levels between 30-50%, as anything below that can lead to dry, flaky skin. You can use a hygrometer to monitor the humidity levels in your home and adjust accordingly.
- Moisturize, Moisturize, Moisturize
Moisturizing is the key to keeping your skin healthy and hydrated during winter. Look for a moisturizer rich in emollients, humectants, and occlusives.
Emollients prevent water loss by forming a protective layer on the skin’s surface, while humectants draw moisture from the environment into your skin. Occlusives create a barrier on your skin to lock in moisture and protect it from external elements.
Apply moisturizer immediately after cleansing or showering while your skin is still damp for the best results. This will help lock in moisture and keep your skin hydrated for longer. If your skin is extra dry, use a facial oil or serum under your moisturizer for added hydration.
- Don’t Forget Your Lips
Our lips are often the first to suffer in cold weather. They have a thin layer of skin and no oil glands to keep them hydrated, making them prone to dryness, chapping, and cracking.
Applying a lip balm or ointment throughout the day can help keep your lips moisturized and protected. To nourish and soothe dry, chapped lips, look for ingredients like beeswax, shea butter, and vitamin E.
Remember to exfoliate your lips once a week to remove dead skin cells and ensure your lip balm can penetrate and hydrate effectively. You can use a gentle sugar scrub or a soft toothbrush for this purpose.
- Laser Treatments
Laser rejuvenation treatments involve using concentrated light beams to target specific skin concerns such as wrinkles, sun damage, and uneven texture. These treatments can also be beneficial for winter skin care.
Laser treatments can help promote collagen production, improve skin tone and texture, and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. They can also help with conditions like rosacea and eczema that may flare up during winter.
Consult a dermatologist or licensed skincare professional to determine if laser treatments suit your skin concerns.
- Tone Your Skin Wisely
Restoring your skin’s pH balance is essential after all the cleansing and exfoliating. A toner can help remove any remaining impurities and prep your skin for other products.
However, some toners contain alcohol and other harsh ingredients that can dry out your already parched skin. Avoid these toners during winter and opt for gentle options like rosewater or witch hazel. And remember to always follow up with a moisturizer after toning to replenish any lost moisture.
- Take Care of Your Hands and Feet
We often focus on our face regarding skincare, but our hands and feet also need some TLC during winter. The cold weather can cause dryness, cracking, and roughness in these areas.
Make sure to moisturize your hands and feet daily, especially after washing them. Wear gloves and socks to protect them from the cold, and use a thick cream or ointment at night for extra hydration.
You can also occasionally treat your hands and feet using a nourishing mask or scrub to remove dead skin cells and replenish moisture. Choose products specifically designed for hands and feet to ensure the best results wherever possible.
- Avoid Festive Fires
While sitting by a warm, crackling fire may sound like the perfect winter activity, it can harm your skin. The heat and smoke from a fireplace can dry out your skin and cause irritation.
If you spend time by the fire, moisturize thoroughly afterward and try to sit at a safe distance. Opt for an electric or gas fireplace instead of a traditional wood-burning one.
- Microneedling for Winter Skin Woes
Microneedling is a popular skin treatment that involves using tiny needles to create minuscule punctures in the skin, stimulating collagen production and promoting cell turnover. This can help improve the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and scars.
But did you know that microneedling can also be beneficial for winter skin? It can help your moisturizer penetrate deeper into the skin and hydrate it from within. Plus, the stimulation of collagen can help combat dullness and dryness.
However, it’s crucial to seek a professional for this treatment, as DIY at-home microneedling can be risky and may cause damage to your skin.
- Say No to Harsh Exfoliants
While exfoliation is essential in any skincare routine, it’s best to scale back on harsh exfoliants during winter. These products can be too abrasive for your skin, especially with winter’s dry and sensitive nature.
Instead, opt for a gentle chemical exfoliant like glycolic acid or lactic acid that will dissolve dead skin cells without causing any damage. Use it once a week or every other week, depending on your skin’s tolerance. And if you’re someone who loves physical exfoliants, look for gentle options like rice bran or oatmeal that won’t cause any irritation.
Enjoy Your Winter Glow
Keeping your skin healthy and hydrated during winter is crucial, but it doesn’t have to be a daunting task. With these tips and tricks, you can ensure your skin stays nourished and glowing all season long. Embrace the winter season, but don’t let it wreak havoc on your skin! So, take care of your skin this winter with these simple yet effective tips and enjoy the cold weather with a radiant and hydrated complexion.