No More Winter Woes:
4 Steps to Caring for Your Skin During Cold Weather
When the weather outside transforms into the snowy and enchanting scenes of winter, your skin is probably a good bit less enchanted by the chill in the air. Cold temperatures, low humidity, and high winds represent a trio of unpleasantness for your skin, as they tend to bring dryness and redness along with them. Winter is no friend to your skin, and especially prolonged winters can make for a lot of discomfort.
So, how do you keep your skin feeling nourished and natural as this season marches onward? We’ve gathered together 4 simple tips for maintaining healthy and hydrated skin while winter is doing its worst:
Eat Well & Drink Well!
Not surprisingly, your diet has a huge impact on the condition of your skin, regardless of the weather. Healthy fats, especially Omega-3 fatty acids, keep your skin feeling pliable and flexible, while fruits and vegetables contain the vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants needed to reduce inflammation, keep your skin hydrated, and fight off free radicals.
Ditch the Harsh Chemicals!
When your skin is being tested by the cold weather, many harsher skincare products can actually exacerbate the problem, further drying out and irritating your skin. For example, alcohol-based astringents, heavy exfoliators, and low-quality soaps can leech the moisture from your skin and prevent sensitive skin from fully healing. Instead, opt for gentler skincare substitutes, such as natural oils and shea butter.
Moisturize, Moisturize, Moisturize!
That being said, products that add moisture to your skin can be wintertime lifesavers. Coconut oil, as well as certain natural lotions and balms, can be used repeatedly without the fear of irritation or skin sensitivity. Apply these moisturizers as needed to prevent the encroaching dryness of the winter weather. On top of that, a humidifier can add moisture to the dry winter air floating around your house, meaning no more waking up with chapped lips, nosebleeds, or flaky skin.
Don’t Forget to Bundle Up!
While this might seem obvious, keeping your skin covered during cold weather can be a big step toward maintaining moisture. The dry air and high winds of winter are the primary culprits in seasonal skincare issues, and keeping your skin under sleeves, gloves, and hats is an excellent first line of defense. In the same vein, sleeping in aloe-infused socks and gloves can help your feet and hands retain moisture through the night and avoid any excessive irritation from your sheets.
Don’t let winter win! With a few simple additions or modifications to your daily routine, you can have your skin hydrated and fortified against the dry winds of the season. Curious how aluminum-free deodorant figures into your skincare? Check out our breakdown of what you need to know concerning all-natural deodorant alternatives!