Winter can wreak havoc on your skin, thanks to biting cold and other factors. You stock up on cocoon coats, cozy sweaters, cute hats and the comfiest of scarves and mittens to protect your body from the change in temperature. But, what do you do to protect your skin? Fear not, because I've got several ways to rescue your complexion. Read on to discover my favorite products and best tips to boost and maintain hydration so that you are glowing all the way through the home stretch to Spring.
Winter Skin Problem #1: Dryness
I love the feeling of cool air against my skin as my cheeks get rosy, but the downside is that this nipping chill also means a drop in humidity so that the moisture in the skin evaporates quickly, leaving my face to feel dry and tight.
Solution: Stay hydrated. You need to rebalance the moisture in your skin from the inside out. Start by nourishing your body with foods that strengthen the skin's barrier such as fatty fish like salmon and herring, avocado, sweet potato, celery, cucumber, nuts and seeds, pineapple and tangerines. Pop an omega-3 supplement daily and toss some flaxseeds + coconut butter into your morning smoothie. For your beauty routine, switch to a creamy, oil or balm cleanser that has calming ingredients like Vitamin E, moringa, bilberry or marshmallow root extract. Also, look for hydrating moisturizers that come in jars or tubes - pump bottles are often diluted with water or alcohol. For your nighttime routine think about adding in a face oil for added protection and while-you-sleep benefits.
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Winter Skin Problem #2: Flaky Skin
Sometimes there's just no comfort for skin dryness so that it leads to skin flaking. When that happens take slow and steady measures.
Solution: Combat dullness and flaking by removing dead skin cells several times a week. Seek out exfoliants that will work throughout the night to deliver more luminous skin by morning. I prefer chemical and enzymatic exfoliants, but rice powder and gentle friction products are also winter-approved solutions. I'm a huge fan of both Clarisonic and Foreo Luna too which I alternate using nightly with my cleansing balm as a second cleanse. Also, remember to shorten your shower time since steam and harsh water are not your friends. Avoid rubbing the towel against your skin too...repeat after me, pat, pat, pat.
Winter Skin Problem #3: Chapped Lips
It can seem impossible to banish chapped lips and usually it's downright painful when this happens. No wonder, considering the lips have only three layers of skin - as opposed to approximately 16 layers of cells on the rest of your face.
Solution: First off the basics - don't lick your lips, don't bite or pick your lips, drink plenty of water and put a humidifier in your bedroom. Next, just like the rest of your face, it's important to exfoliate your lips routinely throughout the week. Use products that sooth and soften the lips. I like salve formulas and fortunately most of these can do double duty for your hands too giving you more bang for buck. Remember to also apply a nourishing lip balm throughout the day for added protection.
Winter Skin Problem #4: Relieve Redness
Sometimes that rosy flush can morph into dry, inflamed, splotchy skin - not cute! Fortunately, there are a few easy steps to cure this.
Solution: Once again, turn to nourishing foods. Skip alcohol until the condition is resolved. Use a cotton scarf instead of wool, cashmere or synthetic which can irritate the area around your mouth. Use very gentle products with no irritants and apply heavy moisturizing with natural and/or redness correcting moisturizers that will balance your skin's hydration needs.
Winter Skin Problem #5: Moisturizer Doesn't Seem Enough Protection
There comes a point when even the heaviest of moisturizers simply doesn't feel enough. You just want to be hydrated and you don't know why your cream isn't working. That's when face oils come in handy.
Solution: Face oils and serums are soothing, skin nourishing treats at any time of the year, but especially during winter. Both dry skin and oily skin types need moisture. A good quality oil or serum is a proven moisture-lock that replenishes nutrients. Look for products that won't clog your pores or simply sit on top of the skin. In other words, we want dewy, not oil-slicked. The goal is to incorporate a skin treatment that can hydrate and infuse your skin with beneficial ingredients. Apply your oil underneath your moisturizer. Feel free to use whatever is left on your hands as an extra little indulgence.
I purchased all products in this article, although I do use affiliate links in some instances. The links or products don’t cost the buyer any more than they normally would. Instead, the commission is taken from the retailer via the commission platform. Thus, it's a little thank you from the retailer, for me showing you the product.
Photo Credit: Mr. Z