Taking Care of Your Skin in Winter

With winter in full swing, the temperatures are still low, and you are likely to still be wrapping yourself up in layers of clothing. But the harsh winter weather can be quite damaging to your skin. If it takes its toll on your skin, it can lead to some uncomfortable skin and just be painful on your skin. There are some really great products out there, with many natural ingredients, but there are quite a few products out there that are a little superfluous; they could even do more harm than good. As hard as it might be to resist using these kinds of products in winter, especially if you have super dry skin or a massive flare up of eczema, you need to make sure that you are only using the best products that will actually help your skin. A mix of hydrating, natural products, and even some home remedies can help your skin to stay happy, healthy, and glowing through all of the winter. Here are some tips to help.

Drink lots of water

When it is cold outside, we often forget to drink enough water each day, as it is cold and we can crave something warm to drink instead. When the weather is cold outside, there is low humidity and that is when your skin is the most likely to be stripped of its moisture. So start small and sip on small amounts throughout the day. If you have a reusable bottle with you through the day, then you are more likely to drink water when it is right in front of you. 

If you are after something warm to drink, then it can be a good idea to indulge in some warming winter teas, like ginger and lemon. They have plenty of healing properties, as well as helping to keep you hydrated. Too much caffeine isn’t a good thing when you are feeling dehydrated, as it can dehydrate you even more.

Choose a cleanser carefully

Unfortunately, there are a lot of cleansers out there that are full of chemicals. They can sound good, but in actual fact, can do a lot more damage, and won’t nourish your skin at all. Ingredients in cleansers like alcohol and added fragrances aren’t going to do much for dry skin. They can take away your skin’s natural oils and leave them feeling dry and cracked. Cream-based cleansers can be a really good idea, as they will help to keep the moisture in, but they will still take off the day’s makeup and other dirt and residue. 

Use Sunscreen

Sunscreen is something that is so important to help protect your skin from harmful UV rays of the sun. You might think that it is just something that you need in summer, but in actual fact, you need to be using it all year round. If the sun is shining (and even if it is overcast and cloudy), you need to wear sunscreen. Make it part of your normal routine and have a sunscreen in your makeup bag. A lot of foundations contain SPF in them too, so that can be a safe way to get around it. Be cautious; otherwise you might end up visiting the skin doctors to get their advice. Even in winter, sunscreen is a must.

Exfoliate for excellent skin

It can feel like one of the last things on your mind of your skin is feeling itchy and a little dry. But there are so many benefits to exfoliating your skin during the winter. It does take the dry skin off, and it will also help and encourage your skin to regenerate. Your skin will feel great with some natural ingredients, and exfoliating scrubs that can smell great too. If you don’t want to buy one, you can easily make your own with things that you have at home, from coffee grounds and sugar. 

Keep those showers short and sweet

It can be tempting in winter to have a long hot shower or bath. It can be relaxing, as well as cosy to help warm you up. But in actual fact, having a shower or a bath that is too hot can actually cause a lot of damage to your skin. Not only will some excessively hot water leave you feeling dehydrated, but it will also damage your skin and strip away plenty of natural skin oils from your body. If you some out of the shower and you find that your skin is red or itchy, or you feel like you’re overheating, then that is a sign that you’ve been in the shower for too long. Keep showers and baths shorter and sweeter, and then it can make a difference to your skin.

Use a natural moisturizer and apply immediately after washing

If you are looking for a facial moisturizer and body lotion, then you need to think carefully. In order to look after your skin in the best way possible, then it can make a big difference to use products that are oil based, rather than being water based, as this will help you to keep those hydrating oils in your skin. After your bath or your shower, (quick ones, of course), then it is a good idea to make sure that you apply your moisturizer pretty much straight away. This will help to keep moisture locked in as much as possible. Don’t forget about your hands and moisturizing your feet as well. These two areas are some of the most hard working, and they are likely to both feel the most dry. 

Protect from the elements

Winter is the time when the weather is harsher on your skin. It is going to be out in the open, but it can be a good idea to have things with you to keep protected. A lip balm for winter could help, as well as a small hand cream to have with you when you are out and about. Wrapping up warm is important too, with things like gloves and scarves to help to protect your hands. Choose natural materials, though, so that it doesn’t irritate your skin even more.