Your skin behaves differently in winter. It’s up against the elements, subject to colder temperatures, fiercer winds, low humidity, gas heaters and hot showers. So it’s unsurprising that many of us end up with flaky and lackluster skin when the cold comes in. But it doesn’t have to be that way. It is important to understand the requirements of your skin in colder temperature and how to care for your winter skin. Here are some important winter skin care tips.
Drink Lots of Water
This is probably the most important thing you can do for your skin and body in winter. We all know the chilly, windy air in winter dries us out, so it’s important to make sure you stay hydrated on the inside to avoid dry and chapped skin. When you don’t drink enough water and you become dehydrated, your skin suffers.
Avoid really hot showers
Hot water softens the natural oils in your skin and allows them to leech out, leaving you feeling dry and flaky. So, if you can avoid having super-hot showers, or even just turn the temperature down slightly, your skin will thank you.
Use night cream
Using a night cream is important all year round, but particularly important in winter. Your skin behaves differently at night as it uses this time to rest and regenerate. So giving your skin a little extra kick of moisture to help the regeneration process works wonders. If your skin is dry and flaky, adding this one extra step in your nightly routine will change your skin for the better.
Exfoliation is key
It’s hard for your skin to absorb your moisturizer if it’s shielded by a layer of dead skin, which is why exfoliating in winter is so important. Using a light or gentle exfoliant in winter will ensure that all dead skin cells and debris are removed and your skin can effectively soak up the moisturizer you put on it. This goes for your face and also your body, especially your knees and elbows.
Add a serum to your skin routine
Serums, much like face oils, can be much more effective in delivering moisture to the skin than traditional moisturizers. Serums and face oils have smaller molecules, allowing them to sink and penetrate deeper into our skin, hydrating more intensely and more thoroughly. Anyone with aging skin should already have a serum in their skincare routine. But in winter, everyone should consider adding one to their routine.
