Nationwide — In the dead of winter, the memory of having glowing, hydrated skin seems like a dream. Winter weather shows no sympathy, as it often leaves skin feeling irritated and dry. Luckily, a few changes to your daily routine can leave your skin soft and hydrated. Below are six winter skincare tips that will help you combat dry, irritated skin all season long:
As you turn up the heat in your home, the air naturally becomes drier. To ensure this doesn’t damage your skin, use a humidifier to help add moisture back into the air. Put one in the rooms you spend the most time in, or invest in a whole-house humidifier if you live in an area with rough winter months.
2. Take Short, Warm Showers
A long, hot shower sounds amazing when coming in from the cold, but it can actually be worse for you in the long run. Short lukewarm showers are your best bet if you want to keep your skin clean and hydrated—aim for no more than 10 minutes.
3. Moisturize
If you do nothing else on this list, remember to use moisturizer. We recommend cream moisturizers during the winter. Do your best to remember to apply it after washing your hands or taking a shower. You can also start using body oils before bathing—this will provide an extra boost of hydration. Moisturizer will be your saving grace throughout winter.
4. Use Sensitive Cleaners
Your skin is going through some hard times at this point of the year, so it’s important to be especially kind to it. Purchase gentle cleaners to replace the products you typically use in your daily skincare routine. You’ll notice that your skin is not as dry and itchy as usual thanks to the absence of irritating ingredients found in non-sensitive products.
5. Apply Sunscreen
Even though the cold winter days are often grey and gloomy, sun damage is still a very real threat. The sun’s rays can find their way through clouds and reflect off snow to expose your skin to harmful UV rays. Before heading out, remember to apply a moisturizing sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15.
6. Drink More Water
It’s common to drink less water in the winter since we naturally gravitate toward hot caffeinated beverages that tend to dehydrate. Make sure to have an extra glass of water with your morning coffee to maintain hydration.
Although it’s important to take care of your skin, it can also be rather expensive. Thankfully, there are ways you can obtain the skincare products you need while still covering all other health expenses. While taking out a small cash loan is always an option, consider taking odd jobs or participating in research studies first. This way, you can implement these winter skincare tips into your daily routine without breaking the bank.