Winter is tough on your skin, whether you are in subzero temperatures or even just experiencing a cold chill. That being said, it is impossible to hibernate until the spring, so at some point, you are going to have to expose yourself to the cold. So with that in mind, here are some certified skincare tips to help you survive.
Moisturize as much as possible
Even if you are someone who does not typically have oily skin, you will still want to moisturize during the winter. While you might already be toning down your toner (pun intended) and astringent usage to avoid drying out your skin, In Style points out that moisturizing every day helps hydrate your skin and replenish any moisture you lost either overnight or while you were out.
Avoid hot showers
A hot shower might be soothing after spending way too much time outside in the cold, but hot water on dry skin is a recipe for disaster. Keep water lukewarm, and try to stay for only five or 10 minutes to avoid drying your skin out even further. Hot water also strips your epidermis of oils, thus flushing all your hard work down the drain. On the plus side, taking shorter showers also help you save on your water bill.
Layer up
UV rays and harsh cold winds mean that you will need to layer up if you want to step out, especially if you want your skin to retain some of its moisture or avoid it getting too dry. Smart fashionistas need to reach for some of these turtleneck sweaters from Woman Within to protect them from the elements, especially when layered under a nice coat. It is important to protect your neck as well as your arms and legs to make sure your whole body is warm.
Slather on the SPF
In connection to the previous point, you will also want to make sure that you are protecting your skin with SPF — just because it is winter does not mean that the sun is not out! Aside from sunscreen, you should also protect your eyes. It is almost impossible to find someone without a pair of Ray-Ban Aviators, and with good reason. Not only do they suit a wide range of faces, but you can also opt to have polarized lenses that help block out most visible light.
Veer away from harsh chemicals
You should be avoiding harsh chemicals in your skincare regularly, but even more so during the winter. Even skincare items with cloying fragrances are worth skipping — the fragrance likely comes from chemicals that might end up irritating your skin. In terms of sunscreen, anything with benzophenone, PABA, avobenzone, homosalate or ethoxycinnmate should be avoided as these disrupt hormone regulation in the body.
End your skincare with an oil
Last but not least, don’t forget to end your nightly skincare routine with essential oil. Our guide to the Best Essential Oils for Skin highlights sandalwood and lavender as particularly great for hydration, while rosemary helps stimulate circulation for a rosy glow. Oils can also help seal in all your moisturizers at the end of the day, making sure your products do not go to waste.
Winter may be hard on our skin, but enough preparation and keeping good skin habits can help curb its worst effects.
