There’s no doubt about it: winter is coming. And in some places, it’s already here!
While we love holiday festivities and cozying up by the fire, winter is a difficult time for your skin. Cold air, low humidity, and indoor heating zap moisture from your face, damaging skin’s natural protective barrier. Your skin becomes less able to repair itself, leading to chronically dry, dull, and itchy skin. If left untreated, skin can even begin to crack and flake.
Want dewy, moisturized skin this winter? Follow these tips for glowing, luminous skin all season long.
- Skip the Hot Water
Hot showers and baths feel amazing during the cold winter months. However, hot water can actually strip the skin of its natural protective oils, causing further dryness.
Instead, wash your face with gentle, lukewarm water to maintain moisture.
- Moisturize Damp Skin
Always moisturize immediately after washing your face, while skin is still damp. You have about a three minute window to apply lotions and serums after cleansing before skin starts to dry out.
For best results, keep the bathroom door closed to lock in moisture after stepping out of the shower.
- Adjust Your Product Lineup
Those with naturally dry skin should try an oil-based moisturizer in the winter months. Oil-based moisturizers create a protective barrier on your skin, helping your skin to retain as much moisture as possible.
Have oily skin? Opt for a light, oil-free lotion with SPF protection during the day and retinoid serums at night.
- Don’t Forget Sunscreen
Believe it or not, UV rays are just as powerful in the winter as they are in the summer. Be sure to apply sunblock to exposed skin any time you leave the house to prevent premature aging and skin cancer.
- Invest in a Humidifier
Your furnace may make your home feel nice and cozy, but heating systems dry out your home’s air, pulling moisture from your skin. Invest in a humidifier to add some moisture back into the air. We recommend putting your humidifier in the bedroom to keep your skin quenched while you get your beauty sleep.
- Hydrate from the Inside Out
Just because you’re not overheated during the winter doesn’t mean you’re not dehydrated. Be sure to sip on water throughout the day to keep skin moisturized from the inside out.
Looking for something a little warmer? Hot tea is a great alternative for getting more H20 in your day. We love green tea for its skin-boosting antioxidants.
- Exfoliate - Gently!
Gentle exfoliation will brighten your skin and allow moisturizers to better penetrate into the skin. However, harsh face peels and scrubs will only irritate dry winter skin. Instead, try a gentler formula made with lactic acid or fruit acids, and apply no more than twice per week.
- Up Your Face Mask Game
Sheet masks can provide much-needed extra moisture and nutrients to the skin during the dry winter months. Try Aloe Rescue Revitalizing Sheet Mask, which is formulated to sooth dry, red, and chapped winter skin. For best results, use a moisturizing face mask twice per week.
How do you prevent dry skin in the winter? Let us know in the comments!
Written by: Colleen Welsch
