Five Skin Care Tips for Winter

When it comes to skin care, winter is one of the seasons where extra attention needs to be paid.  Cold, dry air can cause problems not only for sensitive skin but for all skin types.  To help you make it through the colder months relatively unscathed, we’ve listed five skin care tips for winter.

Avoid Long, Hot Showers And Baths

While the cold weather may make you want to spend more time in longer, hotter baths and showers, doing so ends up stripping away the natural oils that keep your skin moist and hydrated.  This is even more problematic when experiencing the cold, dry air often associated with winter.  Try to use warm, not hot and avoid extending your time in the water.

Increase Your Indoor Humidity

Dry air sucks the moisture out of your skin.  If the relative humidity in your home is on the low side, use a humidifier to ratchet it up.  This will help your skin retain its moisture, prevent it from drying out and reduce the inclination to scratch, rub and further irritate your skin.  An indoor humidifier will also do wonders for your nose and throat in the inter months.

Stay Hydrated

While a humidifier will help with retaining moisture on the outside of your body, drinking plenty of fluids will keep you hydrated from the inside.  If you already drink enough water, there’s no need to drastically increase your consumption, but if drinking water doesn’t come naturally and your skin is feeling dry, consider adding a few more glasses to your daily routine.

Keep Using The Sunscreen

Just because it’s winter doesn’t mean the sun’s UV rays can’t damage your skin.  In fact, if there’s snow on the ground, you may be exposed to more UV rays than you would in the summer.  Sunscreen should be used all year round. 

Switch To An Oil-Based Moisturizer

Although oil-based moisturizers may feel too heavy or greasy during the summer months, the oil’s added layer of protection will do you well in the winter.  Consider swapping out your regular summer moisturizer for a heavier, oil-based one in the winter.