Winter Skincare – How to Care for Your Skin in Winter

Just as you take special precautions to protect your skin from environmental damage in the summer, so should you make sure your skin stays prepared and protected during winter. During the summer, strong bright sunlight and our desire to sunbathe and spend much time outdoors are some of the key environmental sources of skin problems. In the winter, however, the intense cold, strong wind, and dry indoor air can be just as detrimental. In terms of skincare, winter is no time to relax. Here are some winter skincare tips that every hunk HAS to know! 

In terms of skincare, winter is no time to relax.

Dry Skin in Winter

Our body isn’t really prepared for the extreme drops in temperature in winter. You need to make sure your skin is prepared to meet the brunt of icy cold and icicle particles born by the wind. And it’s not just the cold and wind. The sun may seem less strong and dangerous as during the summer months. It certainly appears less frequently. But in fact, when not obscured by clouds, the winter sun can be just as bright and intense. Moreover, the white snow makes a reflective surface, and sunlight bouncing back up from the ground may hurt your eyes, as well as skin.

Colder climates are usually characterized by low humidity. You might sweat less, but you also get less hydration as the air outside saps moisture from your skin. Which is made worse by dry heat indoors. For these and other reasons people often suffer from dry, itchy skin in winter. And in winter, dry skin cracks and bleeds more easily. Here is how you keep your skin moist and happy.

The sun may seem less strong and dangerous as during the summer months.

Sappy and Happy: Restore Moisture

The key principle to understand is – keep the moisture you have already and add moisture to your body and environment. In winter, you might be tempted to take long showers or baths because they are warm and relaxing. But bathing that is too frequent and too long might wash away your skin’s natural protective sebum layers. Sebum is vital for your skin’s health. When you do wash, use warm rather than hot water, pat yourself dry with a soft towel, and moisturize your skin right after. You should use a richer, oil-based moisturizer during winter. A good moisturizer acts as a protective sebum layer – sealing moisture within the body and thus keeping it hydrated for longer.

You might also think of setting up a humidifier in your home. And finally, hydrate by drinking lots of water. Because it’s not hot during winter, we may easily forget to drink, but our body still needs it. If you need to, set an alarm to remind yourself, or place a jug or bottle of water right in front of you and within easy reach. It’s best to drink water in small amounts throughout the day. A great way to keep hydrated is by drinking lots of hot tea. Remember, one of the key elements to winter skincare is making sure your skin stays supple. 

A great way to keep hydrated is by drinking lots of hot tea.

Cozy Up Against the Cold

The glaring sun and blistering winds of winter are harsh on the skin. Hydrating well is one way of protecting yourself from their harmful effects. Staying warm is another and there are several ways to do so. Dress to keep the elements away from your skin. Hands, throat and head are most vulnerable and most often exposed during winter. Don’t forget to wear a scarf and gloves or mittens.

Make sure to keep your head and ears warm. To reduce irritation caused by layers of rough winter fabric, wear breathable, natural base layers. Look for scarfs and gloves made of soft materials, like alpaca and sheep wool. Keep your house warm, but remember to drink to reduce the effect of dry heat. It’s all about balancing to ensure maximum winter skincare. 

Staying warm is another and there are several ways to do so.

Conclusion

Winter is here – and you should definitely care. Our naked primate skin is not made for subzero weather and requires care and protection. If you want to spare yourself the pain and unsightly appearance of chapped, flaky and bleeding skin, be mindful of these winter-time tips: stay snug and warm, drink your teas, munch on succulent veggies, turn down the heat in the shower, use rich moisturizers.

Winter is no time to neglect your skin. You might even want to use sunscreen for those parts of your skin which are exposed when you are outside, because when the sun is out, it’s pretty strong, and the glare off the snow is just as damaging to the skin as summer sunlight.