We’ve finally reached the end of the year, and for many, this time of the year can get cold, and we often see our fair share of wintery weather. Unfortunately, despite the beauty of the season, winter comes with some setbacks. Besides the dreaded act of shoveling and trying to get around safely during the winter, what the cold air does to your skin only adds to the list of inconveniences. It’s hard to have healthy winter skin! The cold, blistering air can really do a number on your skin. However, even when you step foot indoors, the indoor heat zap moisture from the air which also negatively affects your skin. While it may feel like you can’t get any relief for your skin during the winter, there are ways to keep your skin soft and glowing when it’s cold outside.
Unfortunately, when it’s cold outside, the dryness on top of the freezing temperatures can leave skin red, itchy, and irritated. This winter season, fight back and combat dry winter skin with these helpful tips for healthy winter skin.
Cover Up– If you want to help protect your hands from dry skin, you need to shield them from the cold by wearing gloves every time you go outside. The skin on your hands has fewer oil glands and is also thinner than a lot of the other areas on your body, so it’s common for your hands to have issues with retaining moisture. That is why your hands are always the first to lose moisture, so if you want to avoid dry, cracked skin make sure you cover up before you head outside.
Use Sunscreen– Wait, you thought using sunscreen was only for the summertime? Well, even if it’s cold outside, the winter sun, especially when you combine it with snow glare, can damage your skin. So if you plan on being outdoors for an extended period of time, especially on snowy days, make sure you apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen to your exposed skin. Remember, apply about thirty minutes before you head outdoors and frequently reapply if necessary.
Stay Moisturized– Staying moisturized will help prevent your skin from becoming dry and itchy. However, if you use the same lotion in the winter as you do for the spring and summer, you might want to change up your routine a bit. Instead of using a moisturizer that’s water-based, use one that is oil based to help create a protective layer on the skin. Using “non-clogging” oils such as almond, avocado, or primrose oil are best, as they are the most appropriate for your face.
Watch the Humidity Level– Due to the cold temperatures its common for us to blast the heat in our homes and our cars. Central heating systems and even space heaters are used daily to help keep us warm and toasty, but unfortunately both blast hot, dry air throughout a space. By doing this, this inadvertently makes the air inside hot and dry, which can dry out your skin. To help promote a skin-healthy environment indoors, make sure you place several humidifiers throughout your home and office to help put some moisture back into the air.
