During winter your skin’s protective barrier cracks, drying it out and making it less able to repair itself. Exposure to the cold, harsh weather, outdoors and adjusting to the heated indoor temperatures puts your skin in different extremities, thus drying out your skin, making it more susceptible to damage during winter.
So when preparing your home, wardrobe and lifestyle for the cold winter months ahead it is important to adapt your skin care routine for the seasonal change as well. Making the necessary changes and adjustments to your skin care routine can help you have healthier, younger looking skin this winter.
Here are some tips you can follow that will help your skin from drying out this winter
Switch moisturisers when the seasons change: The skin becomes drier in cold weather, especially if it’s windy, because the moisture of the skin is evaporated more quickly by the wind, and the skin doesn’t produce as much oil. Try using a slightly heavier moisturiser than you use in the summer, although still make sure that it’s suitable for your skin type. Moisturize every morning, especially if you are going outside, to prevent your skin from becoming dry and flaky. Then at night, before going to bed, wash your face to remove make up and pollutants which could irritate your skin, and apply moisturizer to treat your skin while you sleep.
Remember to exfoliate: Exfoliate a few times a week by using a gentle exfoliator to scrub away dry skin cells which allows your moisturiser to penetrate to the skin that really needs it.
Don’t forget to use rich body butter on your entire body to prevent your skin from drying out: Your body doesn’t need quite as much attention as the skin on your face as it’s not often exposed, but it will still need more care than it gets in the warmer months. Remember to give your neck and chest the same treatment as you give your face as these areas are often exposed too. Try wearing a scarf when possible to protect the skin on your neck and chest.
Hand-le with care: To prevent chapping parched hands avoid using harsh soaps when washing your hands and try as best to put hand cream on while your hands are still moist. Putting on a pair of gloves soon after washing your hands will lock in the moisture, preventing the skin from becoming dry and flaky. Embrace wipe-off, soap-free cleansers and alcohol-free hand sanitizers.
Don’t forget the feet: Being covered in closed shoes all day, can make you easily forget about your feet, avoid being shocked when summer comes by buffing them at night and applying a moisturizer while they still moist, will do wonders on those cracked heels.
Spoil the skin: The same way you give your hair a treatment in winter, try doing it with your skin. Try making your very own face mask with some olive oil, avocado, honey, sugar and milk.
Keep showers short: A long, hot bath or shower might seem tempting when you’ve been out in the cold, but it will strip your skin of moisture.
Keep your home warm but not hot: If the temperature inside is much hotter than outside it can irritate your skin and can even cause broken capillaries from the temperature shock. While walking around at home wear slippers or warm socks to prevent getting cold feet.
Give your lips extra attention to avoid them becoming chapped and splitting: Apply a moisturizing lip balm when you are doing the rest of your skin care, make it part of your routine.
Winter is a season where everything dies out, including your skin. Following these tips will help your skin stay moisturised and save you the trouble when summer hits.