Winter is a pleasant season; the cold temperature outside will give you enough reason to stay longer on your bed or go lazing out on your sofa. Or you can meet up with friends for fireside gatherings or ice-skating. Unfortunately, there are also not so pleasant parts of the winter season. The harsh winter weather and the dry heat inside our homes can also cause havoc on our skin, making it dry, itchy, and dull.
The good news is that there are many ways you can do to combat dry winter skin and keep it moist and supple. Below are the seven useful tips for preventing dry skin during winter.
- Stay hydrated
The cold winter season will zap out the moisture in your skin, leaving your poor skin dry and dull. Keeping yourself hydrated by drinking lots of fluid is an excellent way to combat dry winter skin. You can also try teas like ginger and lemon to hydrate yourself and, at the same time, keeping yourself warm and healthy.
- Know the right cleansers
If possible, avoid using soap as cleansers since most of them contain harsh ingredients that may irritate and dry out your skin. Choose a gentle and fragrance-free cleanser since it may also contain harsh ingredients and alcohol.
- Shorten your bath and shower time
You may be tempted to soak in a hot bath or shower to battle the cold outside. However, a hot bath is an enemy of your skin during the winter season. A long bath is also not recommended since it will remove the natural oils in your skin, which are essential in keeping your skin moist and supple. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends keeping your shower time for about 5-10 minutes during winter. Remember to moisturize afterward.
- Exfoliate your skin moderately
Exfoliating your skin during the winter season is still necessary as it will remove the dead skin cells and promotes the regeneration of the new ones. However, make sure to exfoliate moderately. Better yet, swap your usual scrub to a mild exfoliation. You can even make your exfoliation formula at home like a sugar scrub.
- Moisturize frequently
While lotions are recommended on warmer temperatures, creams are best used in winter months since it moisturizes better during this season. Compared to water-based, oil-based moisturizers are also great to use on colder temperatures as it helps keep the natural oils in the skin. Use moisturizer immediately after shower or washing and pay close attention to your hand, elbows, and feet.
- Apply sunscreen
Who says sunscreen is only for summer? According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, the reflected sun’s rays in the snow contribute up to 80% of the risk of skin cancer. So whenever you go outdoors, regardless if there’s snow on the ground, make sure to apply sunscreen and reapply it every two hours.
- Invest in a humidifier
We stay indoors most of the time during winter. While the indoor air keeps us warm and cozy, it is also very dry due to the air being trapped inside. Because of this, our skin may get irritated and dry. Investing in a humidifier will add moisture inside your home, keeping your skin moist and hydrated.
