10 Tips for Healthy Winter Skin

Photo via skincareihub.com

Winter is a wonderful time – the cold temperatures give you the perfect excuse to snuggle up in some blankets and sip hot chocolate while dreaming of snow, sugar plum fairies and all that is wonderful about the winter season.  Unfortunately, our skin does not take as kindly to winter. With the dry air, frigid temperatures and low humidity, winter tends to make your complexion look dull and can leave skin dried out and cracked. But that doesn’t mean you have to spend the winter suffering from the terrible burden that is dry skin – instead, incorporate these tips into your routine to keep your skin looking soft and bright all season long!

Wear Sunscreen

Just because you may not be able to see or feel the sun, doesn’t mean it’s not still affecting your skin. The sun’s UVA and UVB rays are still strong, despite the clouds and cold air and they can be extremely damaging to your skin. To prevent damage, look for products that contain an SPF and apply to any exposed skin, especially on your face.

Drink Up

Staying Hydrated = Healthy skin. Drink lots and lots and lots of water! The cold weather tends to make you feel less thirsty. However, your skin needs just as much hydration in the winter as it does in the summer. As always, try to drink several glasses of water a day to keep your skin moist and fresh from the inside out. Your skin will thank you!

Exfoliation

The easiest way to remedy dry skin is by exfoliating to remove the dead and dry skin cells. Try using mixing 1 part olive oil to 2 parts sugar or try a mix of olive oil, lemon and sea salt to exfoliate. Gently exfoliate entire body, including hands, feet, face AND Lips. For something a bit gentler for you face, try (my personal favorite) 1 tablespoon of brown sugar, 1 tablespoon of regular sugar, 2 tablespoons of coconut oil and 2 strawberries, mash it all together in a bowl and exfoliate away. You’ll love how fresh and soft your face will feel afterwards!

Moisturize

Apply a moisturizing cream immediately after a shower while your skin is still damp to seal in moisture. Try using oil-based moisturizers instead of caking on heavy lotions. Oil-based moisturizers full of vitamin C and vitamin E, such as avocado oil, coconut oil, etc., will keep your skin moist for a longer period of time than a water-based moisturizer. Oil-based moisturizers also increases the oil content in your skin which will also help keep your skin moisturized, soft and supple.

Put Your Lips First

Your lips are just as important as the rest of your skin and it needs to be moisturized too! In the winter, your lips can dry out causing them to get chap, peel and even get darker. To keep your lips looking healthy, protect you lips from the harsh winter effects by swiping on some moisturizing lip balm!

Keep it Simple

Try using natural remedies to soften your dry winter skin. Natural remedies are so much are cheaper than topical treatments from the drug store. They’re also better for your skin. Here are a few DIY face softening masks to try!

• A soothing mixture of coconut oil, honey and aloe
• Banana and milk mask. Mash up one banana and add in just enough milk to make a paste. Apply to face and leave on for 20 minutes then rinse. After doing this banana mask a few times, your skin will glow!
• Honey and egg whites. Honey and egg whites make an excellent (and very popular) DIY face mask. Mix the two ingredients together and leave on face until completely dry, then wash it off with warm water.

In Hot Water

As blissful as it may sound to jump into a steaming hot shower on a freezing day, the hot water is actually damaging to the skin and allows moisture to escape. Try to take warm showers instead! After your shower, pat your body dry instead of rubbing yourself dry, so that your skin is almost dry but not completely dry. Leaving that last light layer of water will help your skin to hold its hydration.

Avoid Acne Treatments

Acre treatments are known to dry out your skin, so if your skin is already worn and dry from the winter, it may not be able to handle the acre treatments. It’s best to avoid as much as possible and stick to gentle cleansers. If you usually use acne medications daily, try to limit it to 2-3 times a week in the winter. You don’t want to strip away your skins natural moisturizers!

Healthy Eating

Certain foods are better for your skin than others. Maintaining a healthy and nutritious diet does wonders for your skin (although who doesn’t like a craving every now and then). Almonds, apples and citrus fruits help to remove dryness in the skin and make your skin appear skinnier. Also, incorporating more foods that are high in fatty acids or rich in antioxidants such as avocados and pomegranates are not only good for your health, but increase your skin’s protection.

Less is more

Wear Less Makeup. Try using tinted moisturizer or BB cream instead of applying a heavy foundation. You’ll want a dewy look during the winter to keep your face looking fresh!