Cold weather can be harsh on our skin, and if you live in a part of the world with cold weather, you should know how to take care of your skin. Frigid temperatures can really do a number on your skin, both your face and body. The skin can get dry, flaky, itchy, and can even crack often, so you should listen to what dermatologists have to say on how to help it feel fresh and healthy.
Keep Indoor Air Humid
Your skin is the barrier that can keep water inside your body. So, when the weather and air are dry and cold, the water evaporates from the skin much faster and easier. In order to prevent dryness in the air and keep that water inside your skin and body, many dermatologists recommend using a humidifier at home and drinking a bit more water during the day. Humidifiers are a great and convenient way to add moisture into your home and besides keeping the home cozy they help your skin.
Use Gentle Skin Products
We all know that cleansing is important in order to keep the skin clean and healthy, but some products may be too harsh on your skin during the colder weather. So, during your regular skincare routine, try focusing on gentler products such as foaming body washes for your body. They can moisturize the skin but they won’t strip any moisture away from it.
When it comes to your face, you should rely on more bland cleansers and don’t exfoliate too often. Also, if you have too many breakouts, try using just water on affected areas, or rely on products with ceramides and glycerin.
Another great way of protecting your skin during winter with gentle products is using hydration products with hyaluronic acid. For example here /blogs/herbal-dynamics-beauty/hyaluronic-acid-serum-uses-and-benefits, you can find an acid serum that will keep your skin moisturized while it will prevent some aging effects and keep your skin elastic.
Avoid Hot Showers and Baths
If you love taking hot showers and baths during winter, you have to moisturize afterward. If you don’t do that you can risk creating cracks in the skin surface. By default, hot water evaporates faster than cold water and if the skin is not immediately moisturized, those cracks in your skin can let the nerves get exposed to air, which can result in a feeling like having lots of paper cuts or ‘winter’s itch’. However, if you can’t resist enjoying hot showers and baths during cold weather, try and keep the bathroom door while you’re in there to keep the moist air inside, and apply moisturizer as soon as you dry yourself.
Don’t Forget Sunscreen
Sun protection isn’t for the summer only, winter sun can be as damaging as during the summer, so don’t forget to apply sunscreen when going outside. When you combine sun with snow glare you can seriously damage your skin, so continue the protection even when it’s cold and wet outside and reapply frequently.
Exfoliate Less
Whether you should exfoliate and how often, it really depends on your skin. However, during the colder months if you notice that your skin is extremely dry, try not to exfoliate at all. But overall, winter is when we exfoliate less in order to preserve the skin barrier and not compromise it because dryness and cold air are already doing their part in affecting it negatively. Instead of every two days, or even every day, you can exfoliate once a week and help speed up the process of skin’s regeneration and allow better penetration of the moisturizers.
In order to truly have a healthy skin and preserve its glow and elasticity, you should adjust the skincare routine to the season. So, when the colder months arrive, make sure to follow the advice from dermatologists and your skin will shine throughout the whole year.
