As winter weather rolls into town, you’re probably expecting many seasonal changes to occur. While you might spend time preparing your car, home, and wardrobe, don’t forget to take care of your skin. Your skin is your largest organ and it’s essential to take care of it. There’s nothing worse than struggling with dry, flaky skin all winter, but it’s not always easy to manage. With that, consider these helpful tips for combating dry skin this winter.
Don’t forget your sunscreen
You may think you only need SPF in the summer months, but you should use sunscreen on your face year-round, regardless of the weather conditions. Believe it or not, UV rays can still damage your skin in the winter; therefore, you should continue using an SPF product or a combination product that provides hydration and protection from the sun.
Apply moisturizer immediately after cleansing
Any time you cleanse your face, you strip your skin of its natural oils. Interestingly, these oils help lock in moisture, which is crucial for your skin’s health. With that said, you must replenish any lost moisture as soon as possible, especially in the winter months. Rather than waiting to restore hydration, you should apply a high-quality moisturizer immediately after cleansing your skin.
If you use any makeup products, you should apply moisturizer to your face before your makeup. Otherwise, your makeup may not look smooth and beautiful due to your skin being dry and flaky. It’s helpful to follow a few makeup tips every woman should know, but keep in mind that adequate hydration is the most important factor when it comes to smooth product application.
Stay hydrated
Most people are less likely to drink enough water during the winter months because they’re cold and don’t feel as though their bodies need it. However, your body needs adequate hydration regardless of the weather.
Those who are dehydrated in the winter months may experience intense dry and flaky skin because the body’s exterior is a reflection of what’s happening inside. Therefore, if you don’t drink enough water, your skin may feel even drier this winter. Whether you drink plain water or herbal tea or consume hydration-rich foods, your skin will thank you for it.
Avoid long, hot showers
Although it may be tempting to warm up with a long, hot shower, it’s a surefire way to dry out your skin and damage your moisture barrier. For this reason, you should avoid spending too much time in hot water during the winter months. Your skin is naturally drier when it’s cold and dry outdoors—you shouldn’t add to the damage by stripping away what’s left of your natural oils.
With these helpful tips for combating dry skin this winter, you can maintain your beautiful, glowing complexion all season. You might be tempted to apply moisturizer multiple times each day to prevent dryness, but you should also recognize the signs you’re over-moisturizing your face. Your skin is an important part of your overall health, so you should do everything you can to keep it radiant and hydrated.