We've heard the warning before: "Winter is coming." The moment the seasons change — from a moderately crisp fall to brick-cold winter — your skin suffers first. As temperatures fall and the air gets drier, your skin pays the price. In frigid conditions the skin is less able to protect itself. This can lead to cracks in the outer layer of skin, loss of hydration, and ultimately, inflammation. The cold air robs the natural oils from your skin, leaving it dry and itchy. It can even cause severe dry skin, eczema, and psoriasis. So, how do you combat the sort of climate that leaves your skin dull, dehydrated, and defeated? You need a major skin-care upgrade. Using thicker moisturizers equipped to protect the skin's barrier could be the answer.
Below are listed seven tips to keep your skin super happy during winter.
1. Use lukewarm water:
It is very tempting to go for hot showers when the temperature is dipping. But if you love your skin, avoid them. Instead, use lukewarm water to shower and wash your face. Hot showers dry your skin quickly, and if you do not moisturize it immediately, your skin can develop cracks and winter eczema. Once you have taken a lukewarm shower, apply a moisturizer that contains hyaluronic acid and ceramides. This will keep the moisture barrier intact and prevent dryness.
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2. Stay hydrated:
Be it inside your home or outside, the air is drier in winter. And as a result, water evaporates from your body easily. Hence, you need to keep your skin hydrated. An easy way to keep it hydrated is by drinking lots of water. Though you might not feel as thirsty during winters as the other seasons, you need to maintain your regular water intake. You can also install a humidifier to manage the moisture level in your home. This will certainly keep your skin happy.
3. Choose skin care products wisely:
What kept your skin happy during summers can make it sad during winters. And that’s why you need to change your skin care products accordingly. The key to healthy and glowing winter skin is using mild skin care products. Choose cleansers that contain moisturizers to avoid stripping your skin of its natural moisture barrier. If you have acne or breakouts, use products containing ceramides, hyaluronic acid, hydration serums, and glycerin to help in repairing the moisture barrier of your skin.
4.Protect your skin:
You need to protect your skin from the cold wind or snow or rain if you are stepping out in winter. So, wear gloves and caps and do not forget your sunscreen lotion. The warm sun rays feel pleasant, but the UV rays can damage your skin a lot. Choose a sunscreen that has titanium dioxide or zinc oxide. Also, avoid going outside immediately after you have washed your hands or after a shower. Wait for the skin to dry because damp skin tends to crack easily in the cold.
5.Care for your feet:
Choose glycerin-based creams and petroleum jelly to moisturize your feet. Also, make sure you exfoliate the skin on your feet occasionally so that it can absorb the moisturizer easily.
6.Avoid anything that irritates the Skin:
Follow this if you have persistent skin issues like eczema and psoriasis. Winter skin is extremely fragile, and exposure to allergens can trigger your symptoms. Many people are allergic to wool but cannot resist the temptation to wear their winter knits. If this is the same scenario with you, always choose winter wear that is made from high-grade wool. If possible, go for winter wear made from cotton or synthetic wool or any other material.
7.Limit caffeine and alcohol:
Who doesn’t love a warm cup of coffee on a cold winter morning? Or a glass of vodka on a cold evening? They are fine – provided you consume them in moderate amounts. Avoid the temptation of over consuming caffeine and alcoholic beverages during winter because they dehydrate your skin and make it dry and flaky.
