It is normal for cold winter weather to cause changes in our skin’s natural condition. Not only can the wind chill cause a wide range of skin irritations and discomfort, it can leave our skin looking dull and pallid. Fortunately, there are several ways you can better protect your skin and promote a supple, healthy glow all season long.
Continue reading to learn some helpful and easy skin care tips that will get you started on the right track this winter!
Winter Weather Effects on Skin
Regardless of age, gender, or skin type, skin reacts to changes in the surrounding environment. And the seasonal transition into winter is no different. The cold temperatures and inclement weather can leave skin feeling dry, itchy, and red. It can also cause flare-ups of existing skin conditions, such as rosacea, eczema, and psoriasis. These changes do not just result from exposure to the cold, they are also due to the heat in our homes and the hot showers we take. All these circumstances can affect our skin’s behavior in the winter.
What To Do About It
To combat these winter skin conditions, you must stay committed to a quality skin care regime. If you do not already have a routine, it is strongly encouraged to start one as soon as possible and continue it from now on. If you do have a skin care routine, you may just need to make some simple adjustments, additions, or upgrades.
Here are some great tips for protecting your skin this season:
❄ Upgrade Your Moisturizer
In the winter, your skin dries out easier, so you will need to stay on top of your moisturizing routine. Instead of increasing the frequency of application, it is recommended to invest in a stronger or higher-quality product. Not only will a stronger product provide longer, more effectual coverage, it will also save you money by avoiding going through your usual product too quickly.
❄ Wear Sunscreen
As mentioned in our previous blog, your skin is still prone to UV-ray damage when it’s cold and cloudy outside. So if you plan on leaving your house in the winter, then you need to incorporate a sunscreen product into your daily skin care regime. Apply a sunscreen spray, lotion, or powder every morning, and as needed throughout the day, to better protect your skin this winter.
❄ Drink More Water
Dry skin lacks moisture, which is why using a moisturizing product in the winter is so imperative. But dry skin needs more than just lotion; it also needs more water. The more hydrated your body is, the more you can see it in your skin. The general rule of thumb supported by virtually all U.S. medical and health authorities is to consume 8, 8-ounces glasses of water every day. But in the winter, try exceeding this rule of thumb as much as possible for better quality skin.
❄ Skincare Treatments
Aside from your normal moisturizers, serums, and creams you use on a daily basis, it helps to explore other types of hydrating skin care treatments. Try some moisturizing facials or clay masks, either at home or the spa, for a boost in facial hydration. You can even get facial massages to improve blood circulation!
❄ Get a Tan
Another terrific way to ensure a lustrous glow all winter long is to get a tan! Not only does tanning promote Vitamin D production, which is great for our heart, skin, bones, and more, it also promotes weight loss, reduces the appearance of scars, and even improves your mood! See our blog, “The Various Benefits of Indoor Tanning” to learn more.