Believe it or not, winter is here and that means we need to consider taking extra care of our skin. Why? Winter can be a particularly difficult time for our skin. Think about it: cold temps, dry air and blazing winds can certainly wreak havoc on our skin, which is why it’s important to make sure we are doing everything we possibly can to keep it healthy in the wake of these cooler, drier months.
So, if you’re in need of a little reminder as to how to care for your skin this winter, you’ve come to the right place. Read on to find out what you should be doing to keep your skin from falling victim to dryness, cracking and irritation this winter.
Exfoliate Regularly
Regular exfoliation; in other words, exfoliating every 2-3 days will effectively rid the skin of dead cells, which tend to be dry and coarse. Regular exfoliation will also promote better penetration of moisturizers into the skin. It will also promote cellular renewal by allowing new, moist skin cells to surface, keeping the skin hydrated longer.
Moisturize Twice Daily
We cannot stress the importance of moisturizing twice a day, once in the morning and again in the evening. Not only is everyday moisturizing important, but it’s also vital to use a moisturizer that contains nutrient-rich ingredients like Vitamins A, C, D, E, Green Tea Extract, and Chamomile. These natural ingredients will help lock in moisture since they are made up of the essential emollients, and fatty acids our bodies (and our skin) need.
Daytime Moisturizer: Your daytime moisturizer should be more lightweight, so you can put makeup on without feeling greasy or looking shiny.
Nighttime Moisturizer: Depending on your skin type, your nighttime moisturizer can contain richer ingredients than your daytime moisturizer. As mentioned, nighttime moisturizers should include ingredients like collagen (to plump), glycolic, or salicylic acid (to polish). Such ingredients are usually exclusive to night formulas because they can make your skin sensitive to the sun (yes, even in the winter).
Stay Hydrated
Hydration starts from the inside out, so to ensure your skin stays healthy, your body must be hydrated as well. The health authorities commonly recommend drinking 8-10 eight ounce glasses of water per day, which equals about two litres, or half a gallon of water.
It’s important to drink enough water because the skin is an organ, and just like any other part of the body, it’s made up of cells. And skin cells, like any other cell in the body, are made up of water. Without water, the organs will certainly not function at their best potential.
Use a Mask
Every healthy skincare regimen should include a weekly (and sometimes twice weekly) use of a face mask, as this can provide significant skincare benefits for both men and women. It’s true. Facial masks can provide the needed moisture your skin needs in the drying winter months. In fact, the right face mask can hydrate the skin, remove excess oils, and help minimize the appearance of your pores. Masks are also an excellent way to help draw out impurities that can be collected throughout the winter.
Don’t forget SPF
No, sunscreen isn’t just for the summer. Winter sun combined with snow glare can still damage unprotected skin. That’s why you’ll want to apply a broad spectrum sunscreen to both your face and hands every morning before going outside. It’s also important to reapply if you plan on staying outside for prolonged periods of time.
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