Winter temperatures and dryness can be harsh on your skin. To keep your skin feeling soft and hydrated, you’ll need to level up your skincare routine during the winter months. We’ve got a few tips on how you can keep a dewy look all year long.
For Face
Your skin is extra thirsty in the winter, so give it what it needs! Choose a moisturizer with hyaluronic acid, which helps seal moisture into your skin. You’ll also want to switch to a more gentle cleanser in the winter, to pamper your skin. If you exfoliate (and you should!), skip the grainy exfoliators and try a chemical exfoliant with ingredients like glycolic acid. It will help get rid of the dead skin and make your complexion brighter without being too harsh.
Follow this simple winter skincare routine for glowing skin:
- Gentle cleanser
- Moisturizer with hyaluronic acid
- Sunscreen (yes, even in the winter!)
- Lip balm
If your skin is ultra sensitive, try this routine and see how your skin feels.
For Body
You’ll also want to switch to a moisturizer that will help seal moisture inside your skin for the rest of your body, like a body oil or body butter during the winter. Stay away from anything that’s heavily scented, as this can irritate already stressed skin. It’s best to apply your moisturizer as soon as possible after stepping out of the shower or bath as part of your winter skincare routine.
You’ll also want to pay extra special attention to your feet and hands. If your feet are dry and cracked, take your favorite moisturizer and slather on your feet at night before sliding your feet into some nice warm socks. Keep an extra tube of your favorite hand cream with you at all times and use throughout the day.
Control your environment
If you don’t have a humidifier, get one immediately! Not only will your skin feel better, but humidifiers have all kinds of benefits.
Tone down the temp in your shower and skip those super-hot baths. The hot water dries out your skin and can irritate any itchiness or irritation you already have.
Did we mention sunscreen? Don’t forget your sunscreen! Even if you’re indoors, even if it’s winter, always, always, sunscreen.
Wear clothing that doesn’t irritate your skin. Wool can be an irritant for a lot of people, so look for fabrics without wool in them. If your clothes or socks get wet, try to change them as soon as possible to prevent irritation. Wash your clothes in an unscented detergent.
Hydrate
Hydration in winter is so important. Your body and skin are losing moisture more rapidly, so keep a water bottle near you and find out how much water is recommended for you to drink every day. If you’re pregnant, or are exercising a lot, your water intake will be different, so be sure to keep track. Your skin, and your body, will thank you!