Your skin may have a difficult time throughout the winter. It may feel dry and itchy due to the chilly, dry air and lack of adequate sunlight in your body.
The major worry is that the cold air may cause your skin to dry up by stripping off the moisture from the skin. Additionally, as skin becomes dryer, it is more likely to crack and bleed.
Research indicates that the winter's dry air might contribute to the growth of skin rashes and scalp conditions that can result in hair loss as well.
Skin care during winter requires a little bit more time and effort than other seasons because the weather is harsh on your fragile protective layer. But don’t worry. We got you covered.
Follow these 11 tips to keep your skin healthy, hydrated, and attractive throughout the winter
1. Hydration
Researchers concur that drinking adequate water is essential for almost all bodily functions. It serves a variety of purposes, including transporting nutrients and oxygen to our cells, protecting organs and tissues, and cushioning joints.
In the winter, humidity levels plummet; this lack of moisture in the air dries our skin in part because there isn't enough to absorb and in part because the air itself is attempting to recoup that humidity, which means it is taking it from us since we are made up of 70% water. Therefore, staying hydrated throughout the day is crucial.
Since humans are made up of 70% water, the low humidity in the winter dries out our skin because there isn't enough moisture to absorb it and partially because the air is trying to recover that moisture by absorbing it from us. So it's important to drink enough water throughout the day.
2. Switch To Cleansers
Winter is an excellent time to switch up your body wash/body soaps for body cleansers. Look for body cleansers that are fragrance-free and have ingredients such as shea butter, hydraulic acids, oils, etc to keep that moisture locked.
Body cleansers tend to be more moisturizing and hydrating, making them more effective in drier, harsher conditions. They aid in preventing the skin from losing moisture, which could expose it to harm.
3. Tweak Your Skincare Routine
To make sure you are giving your skin all it needs, adjust your skincare routine just like with your clothing and food choices.
Your skin is affected by seasonal changes in temperature, sun exposure levels, and other environmental stresses. By adjusting your skincare regimen accordingly, you can give your skin the tools it needs to function at its best.
Due to the varying environmental variables, our skin might become dry and dehydrated, so we should aim to increase levels of hydration and moisture. This has to do with changing the ratio of water- and oil-based substances that we give to our skin. In order to address the skin barrier and boost moisture, we should use a thicker oil with more fatty acids. It may not always be about buying additional items, but rather how you use the ones you already have.
An increase in moderate exfoliation is also beneficial. Add several masks with hydration-boosting components such as aleo vera and hyaluronic acid.
The drawbacks of not changing your routine include not providing your skin with what it requires to protect you, which is its primary function! Your winter routine might not be as rich as it was in the summer, which could cause dryness and dehydration.
However, in the summer when your skin is already producing too much oil, your rich winter oils could cause chaos. It's critical to frequently assess your skin, and if you're unsure that it has what it requires, you can always schedule a consultation. A dermatologist will be able to examine your skin and offer advice on how to take the best possible care of it.
4. Moisturizing The Skin
One crucial step in a skin care regimen to counteract dryness is moisturizing. Moisturizing is a crucial component along with food and hydration in order to avoid dry skin.
To keep your skin's natural moisture in place during the winter, use a good hydrating moisturizer. Moisturizer prevents water loss from your skin while hydrating products increase the water content of your skin. Therefore, the best option throughout the winter is to use an excellent hydrating moisture. A good winter face moisturizer aids in increasing your skin's moisture content while also enhancing its smoothness. Switching to an oil-based moisture can be good option if you don’t have an acne prone skin.
Also, make sure to moisturize your whole body straight after bathing to prevent any moisture loss.
5. Don’t Forget Sunscreen
The sun's rays can occasionally be even stronger in the winter. UVA rays can reflect and intensify perfectly on pure white snow. Up to 80% of dangerous UV rays are reflected by snow. People who don't wear sunscreen during winter are exposed to twice as much light. Like hot summer days, this can result in sunburn. Sun protection is one habit that everyone should adopt when it snows.
Given the coolness of the air and the presence of snow during the winter, it could seem as though there is little risk of sun damage to your skin. Simply said, that is untrue. In fact, as snow reflects the sun's rays, it might increase your UV exposure. The amount of exposure is increased by double because they not only strike your skin from above but also bounce off the snow on the ground. Thus, applying sunscreen, a must during winters.
6. Invest In A Humidifier
At first, the dry winter air may feel energizing. On the other hand, prolonged exposure to dry air will dehydrate your lungs, nose, and mouth. This can be a minor irritation that makes you cough more frequently or a significant issue.
Always breathing dry air can exacerbate your symptoms if you already have respiratory issues, such as asthma or Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary DiseaseCOPD. Although using a humidifier won't give you a cure, it can help you manage your symptoms. In general, breathing might feel more comfortable.
7. Exfoliating Your Face And Body
The buildup of dead skin is a serious issue during winter. These dead skin cells can accumulate in your skin pores causing acne and a number of other skin problems like dry patches, flaky skin etc.
As a result, regular skin exfoliation is required. Exfoliation is the process of more swiftly removing these dead skin cells from the top layer of skin. When you begin exfoliating, it's crucial to keep in mind that these treatments work because they temporarily stress the skin, therefore it's necessary to use them occasionally. Exfoliate once every two weeks at most, and always moisturize well after exfoliating.
8. Avoid Hot Showers And Baths
After a long day in the colder temperatures, taking a hot steaming shower sounds like a good idea, but it has a price. Taking a shower for too long might dry out our skin and cause itching.
Try to maintain the shower's temperature below 99 degrees Fahrenheit. Any higher will deplete your skin's natural protective layer and strip it of its necessary moisture, which can cause problems with your skin's ability to retain moisture.
9. Have Healthy Diet
Food has a crucial role in health. A poor diet can harm your metabolism, make you gain weight, and even harm vital organs like the heart and liver.
It is becoming increasingly obvious that what you eat has a substantial impact on the health and ageing of your skin as scientists understand more about diet and the body. A poor diet might cause breakouts whereas a healthy diet can give you the nutrients you need for beautiful skin.
Various fruits and vegetables are among the essential skin-friendly foods.
Including fatty acids like OMEGA 3, fruits like avocados, green veggies, nuts, anti-oxidants like green tea, and collagen peptides in your diet can help you maintain good skin.
10. Avoid Fabrics That Irritate The Skin
Many winter clothing materials can worsen dry skin. It is advised to avoid having wool and rough garments contact your skin. Dry skin may become sensitive and scratchy as a result.
Instead, dress in thin layers next to your skin composed of breathable, soft materials such as cotton or silk. The AAD advises putting on your thicker, warmer sweaters after that.
Wear gloves or mittens to keep your hands warm in the winter.
11. Exercise & Sleep
Regular exercise keeps the blood flowing, which helps to maintain a healthy glow on the skin. It is also critical that you understand how to optimize your sleep because doing so can enhance the health of your skin, hair, and overall well-being.
Priorities should be given to your lifestyle and any conditions you might need to address. Make sure your skincare routine has products that are safe, chemical-free and that work best for winter.
Regular skin care will help you look and feel your best all year long by preventing the damaging effects of the winter by making early investments in the health of your skin.