Winter Care: How To Keep Your Skin Healthy and Moisturized
The cold weather can be harsh on your skin, leaving it feeling dry and cracked. Today, let’s examine winter care and how to keep your skin healthy and moisturized. These tips for treating and protecting your skin from the cold weather and which products to use will help you achieve happy skin all winter long.
What Happens to Skin in Cold Weather?
Your skin is the body’s largest organ—it protects you from environmental effects and regulates your body temperature. When it’s cold outside, your skin must work harder to keep you warm. The blood vessels in your skin narrow to conserve heat, causing a decrease in blood flow and oxygen supply and leading to problems such as:
- Dry skin
- Itching
- Rashes
- Cracked heels
How Do I Treat Dry Skin in Winter?
Due to how hard your skin works throughout the colder months, treating existing problems to keep your skin happy and healthy is essential.
Avoid Harsh Chemicals
Winter is the time to break out the all-natural skin-care products, because harsh chemicals and synthetic ingredients can strip your skin of its natural oils. Opt for products that contain natural honey, which has many health benefits you may not know about. You might also consider items that contain shea butter, hydrating oils, and hypoallergenic ingredients.
Limit Time in the Sun
Although it might not seem like it on gloomy, cloudy days, the sun is always out. In fact, the sun’s rays are still intense during winter, and they can quickly dehydrate your skin. Getting outdoors is still vital for your mental and physical health, but be sure to wear sunscreen—yes, even in the winter!
Take a Bath
A warm bath is a perfect way to simultaneously relax and hydrate your skin. Many people are now discovering the soak-and-seal method. This involves soaking in a bathtub for about 5 to 10 minutes, patting the skin lightly, and applying a hydrating moisturizer to seal in moisture within three minutes. You may add some soothing ingredients such as oatmeal and Epsom salts to further moisturize your skin.
How Can I Keep My Skin Healthy in Winter?
Once you’ve treated your dry skin concerns, it’s time to maintain healthy skin-care measures. Let’s look at some ways to keep your skin glowing.
Stay Hydrated
Drink plenty of fluids to keep your skin hydrated from the inside out. Try to drink 8 glasses of water each day (or more if you’re active or you live in a dry climate). Talk with your doctor to determine how much water your body needs.
Use a Humidifier
During the winter, our houses often become dry due to increased heating. Place a humidifier in your home to add more water to the air and, thus, to your skin.
Moisturize Properly
Besides the soak-and-seal method, try to moisturize your skin throughout the day to keep it soft and supple. Be sure to apply a moisturizer that contains SPF to further protect your skin from harsh weather conditions.
This guide to winter care and how to keep your skin healthy and moisturized will be essential in your daily winter routines. Don’t worry; spring is almost here!
