Skin care is a major challenge during the winter months, as the cold weather takes its toll. Dry air, wind and central heating can cause your skin to become dry, irritated and itchy. To help your skin survive the cold season, follow these helpful tips:
- Keep it moisturized. The most important tip for healthy skin this winter is to keep it moisturized. Cold weather can strip your skin of moisture, making it appear dull, cracked and flaky. A good moisturizer will help protect against dehydration by sealing in moisture to keep your skin from becoming chapped or cracked. Look for a cream or lotion that contains glycerin, which attracts water and locks it into your skin’s outer layer. Find a moisturizer with an SPF of at least 15 to protect your skin against harmful UV rays that could otherwise cause damage to collagen and lead to premature aging, wrinkles and other unsightly signs of aging.
- Drink lots of water – The thin air that circulates during winter season dries out your skin. When this happens, your body is left with little moisture that can be used by your body. Therefore, you need to replenish your body with water by drinking at least eight to ten glasses a day.
- Exfoliate twice a weekI exfoliate twice a week to remove dead skin cells so that my moisturizers can penetrate better. Plus, exfoliating helps with preventing breakouts.
- Use a humidifier. If you don’t already have one, you should get one. Humidifiers help regulate the moisture in your home to keep things like nasal passages from drying out and cracking. That dryness that can lead to nosebleeds and cracked lips – not so fun!
- Don’t wash your face too often – once a day is enough. It’s always better not to wash your face too often because it will make your skin produce more sebum (oil), which clogs your pores.
