Winter is the worst time of year for people with sensitive skin. It’s dry, itchy, and can even cause hives or blisters, which are not fun to deal with at all. For those who have never experienced this before, these symptoms will be a shocker, but those who live in cold climates will know that winter brings on some discomfort no matter what your skin type is. So, what can you do to help minimize winter’s effects on your skin?
1) Choose the Right Cleanser
The winter can leave your skin feeling so dry, it flakes and becomes patchy, which is never attractive in any way. Not only that but, when you’re in a rush to go somewhere and don’t have the time for a shower, in these cases, we just wipe our face with a wet cloth or put on another layer of makeup to cover it up, but this can harm your skin.
Fortunately, there is a solution to these problems, and that’s by using dermatologist recommended cleansers for sensitive skin types. You see, most facial washes lack the ingredients necessary to hydrate the skin during the winter months. Hence, an easy fix for this issue is to use a hypoallergenic and non-comedogenic facial cleanser that dermatologists also recommend.
2) Moisturizing is Key
Moisturizing the skin after cleansing is vital in avoiding dryness caused by cold air. I know this because when my mother gets home from work, she immediately jumps in the shower and doesn’t bother to moisturize before going to bed, which is bad for her skin. If you want healthy, glowing skin without blemishes or dry patches, be sure to moisturize after washing your face.
Applying a moisturizing cream before bed is one of the best ways to keep your skin hydrated overnight. By doing so, you’ll wake up with softer, smoother skin. There are many different types of moisturizing creams available, so be sure to find one best suited for your skin.
3) Lukewarm Water Instead of Hot Showers
It’s tempting to take a hot shower during the cold winter months, but doing so can worsen dry skin. The hot water will strip your skin of its natural oils, which is why it’s important to use lukewarm water instead. Not only will this be more beneficial for your skin, but it’ll also save you money on your heating bill.
Lukewarm water helps retain moisture and sebum (oils produced by the skin) in the skin. Lukewarm showers will also minimize the risk of your skin becoming dry and irritated.
4) Limit Bath Time
Similar to the unwelcome effects of hot showers, hot baths can also harm your skin. The longer you stay in the bathtub, the more moisture your skin will lose. This is because soap and other bath products tend to be harsher than those used in showers. So, if you’re looking to keep your skin from drying out, it’s best to limit your bath time to 15 minutes or less.
5) Drink Plenty of Water
Water helps improve blood circulation, which is why it’s essential for keeping your skin healthy and hydrated. During the winter, it’s easy to forget to drink enough water because you’re not sweating as much as you do during the summer. However, it’s still essential to drink at least eight glasses of water per day to keep your skin looking its best.
6) Invest in a Humidifier
A humidifier is a device that increases the humidity in the air. This is beneficial for your skin because it helps to retain moisture. If you’re having trouble with dry skin this winter, a humidifier may be just what you need.
7) Apply a Moisturizing Cream Before Bed
Applying a moisturizing cream before bed is one of the best ways to keep your skin hydrated overnight. By doing so, you’ll wake up with softer, smoother skin. There are many different types of moisturizing creams available, so be sure to find one best suited for your skin.
In conclusion, as you can see, it’s possible to keep your skin hydrated during the winter months. All you have to do is pay close attention to what you put on your skin, don’t take too many hot showers, and drink lots of water. By doing so, you’ll be well on your way to having healthy skin!
Images from BEAUTY SCENE EXCLUSIVE: Emily Butcher by Seb Winter – See the full story here
