Cold, winter weather can wreak havoc with your skin. Icy temperatures, strong winds, and low humidity can rob your skin of much-needed moisture, and dry, indoor heat does the same. The result is dry, flakey, itchy skin, that can even crack and become irritating. That’s why you should consider the following tips to keep your skin smooth, soft, and radiant all winter long.
Your skin produces natural oils to protect itself, so you don’t want to remove those oils. Avoid frequently washing too much using hot water, taking long showers or baths, or using harsh cleansers or ones with drying ingredients like glycolic or salicylic acids. When you do shower or bathe, gently pat your skin dry and use a body oil or lotion to keep that moisture in.
Although it’s tempting to crank up the heat on cold days, try to keep your thermostat at the lowest temperature that still feels comfortable to you. Also, add moisture to the air by using a humidifier, as that moisture will be absorbed by your thirsty skin.
Speaking of thirst, you can moisturize your skin from the inside out by drinking lots of water every day. Try to avoid alcohol, coffee or soda in excess as those beverages actually have dehydrating effects on the body.
Some people think that sunscreen is only necessary during the summer months, but that’s not true. In fact, the sun can reflect off snow and ice and hit you from different angles than usual. Sun exposure is a year-round risk when you are outdoors, so make wearing sunscreen a habit.
Switch to a heavier, oil-based moisturizer during the colder months, and consider overnight deep moisturizing treatments for problem areas like lips, hands, and feet. Putting socks or gloves on over lotion can keep it from wearing off and let it sink into skin. Paraffin wax treatments on hands and feet can also help hydrate and leave your skin feeling smooth and soft.
If you love learning about skincare, maybe you should turn that passion into a career! Shore Beauty School offers Cosmetology and Skincare programs that can put you on the path for a future in the beauty and wellness industry. Schedule a virtual tour today, contact us to learn more, or give us a call at (609) 645-3635.
