During long, cold winter months, your skin can easily get dried out. The dry air and freezing temperatures outside, combined with constant central heating while indoors, can suck the moisture from your skin, and make it appear dry, dull and patchy. However, the good news is, with a little extra care, and a few changes to your skincare regimen, you can keep that healthy summer glow all year round, even in the depths of winter.
With that in mind, read on for a complete guide to keeping your skin healthy and glowing throughout the coldest months.
Change your skincare products
Just as you change your wardrobe when cooler weather arrives, you should also change your skincare products. During summer, your skin needs products which remove excess oils, but when the temperatures drop, you’ll need to switch to more hydrating oil-based products. These form a protective layer and seal moisture into your skin, making it appear more radiant.
Use facial oil
A light, non-greasy facial oil can work wonders for your complexion. It gives your skin a “dewy” appearance while providing deep-down moisture. The best facial oils contain grapeseed or flaxseed which contain omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants known to protect your skin.
Stay hydrated
It’s easy to forget to drink plenty of water during winter. However, if you are dehydrated this will be reflected in your skin, and you’ll notice drier duller skin. Ensure you drink at least eight large glasses of water per day, even when it’s cold outside.
Don’t forget sunscreen
Many people believe they don’t need sunscreen during winter. However, there are still UV rays around during even dull days that age your skin prematurely. Ensure you wear sunscreen of at least 30SPF every day to avoid premature aging effects and long-term damage. Don’t forget to apply it to your hands and any other exposed part of your body before you leave the house.
Pay attention to your diet
Great skin starts with your diet, and just a few small changes can produce noticeable results. During winter, increase your intake of fatty fish. It contains high levels of fatty acids which are beneficial to your skin, as well as vitamin E, a powerful antioxidant which protects your skin from long-term damage. Broccoli, tomatoes and bell peppers are also great for skin health as they contain high levels of vitamins A and E, as well as antioxidants.
Showers and baths should be warm, not hot
Hot baths and showers are wonderfully relaxing, but hot water severely dehydrates your skin. Over time, this can contribute to your skin losing elasticity and becoming wrinkled. Make sure your showers and baths are warm, instead of hot, and your skin will thank you for it.
Use the right exfoliator
Steer clear of excessively abrasive exfoliating products which can irritate delicate skin, especially during cold winter months when it is dryer than usual. Instead, look out for products which contain glycolic acid. This ingredient gently removes the layer of dead skin cells which can build up on the skin’s surface, making it appear dull. Once the glycolic acid has done its work, you’ll instantly notice your skin looking smoother and glowing.
Use a heavier moisturizer for stubborn dry patches
If you find you have stubborn patches of dry skin, invest in a high-quality oil-based moisturizer, which will lock in the maximum amount of moisture and provide relief. Don’t be tempted to pick at dry skin or try to peel it off, as this can leave scars.
Don’t neglect your hands and feet
During winter, it’s easy to neglect your hands and feet, as they’re covered up much of the time. They also contain much fewer oil-producing glands than the rest of the body, so require extra attention to keep them in good shape during cold weather. Apply hand cream throughout the day, especially after washing your hands and before bed. Ensure you moisturize your feet after showers, and remove dead skin with a foot file to prevent painful hard patches of skin.
Invest in humidifiers
During winter month, central heating dries the air out and dehydrates your skin. Humidifiers put some of the moisture back into the air, allowing your skin some relief. Place them in your living area and bedroom, and you should experience a difference within a couple of days.
To keep your beautiful summer glow over the winter months, you’ll need to make the extra effort with your regular skincare regimen. Swapping your summer products for products that are more suitable for winter is a significant first step, and you’ll notice a difference almost immediately. Ensure you keep your skin moisturized continuously with suitable oil-based products, and invest in a more substantial moisturizer if you’re experiencing stubborn dry patches. Your diet and hydration levels can also play a big part in the health of your skin, so ensure you’re eating the right foods and drinking plenty of water.
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