It’s that time of year again. You know, the one where you have to bundle up in a scarf and hat just to walk outside! It’s wintertime and it can be rough on your skin. If you’re not careful, all those dry indoor heating systems can lead to cracked hands, chapped lips, irritated skin, or even worse: eczema. With that being said, there are some great ways to take care of your skin this season without breaking the bank! In this post, we will discuss some effective ways you can take care of your skin this winter!
Lip Balm
Lip Balm can be a lifesaver when it comes to keeping your lips from getting chapped in the winter! Most people don’t want to deal with having their hair all over their face or looking like they just ate a cherry popsicle. So make sure you invest in some great lip balm that smells nice and won’t get icky during cold weather. Burts Bees is a wonderful choice! It has a pleasant honey scent but doesn’t leave your lips feeling greasy afterward. Bonus points if it’s SPF 15+ so you don’t have to worry about skin cancer while protecting yourself against dryness!
Body Butter
Body Butter is great after showering/bathing in order to lock in moisture and prevent further flaking or chapping of skin. The best time for this would be either immediately following a hot bath before pat dry or air-drying. Or just once more before bedtime if you’re not planning on sleeping straight away. Just don’t do both since they serve similar purposes!
Face Masks
Face masks are a great way for people who don’t have the time or money to get expensive facials done at spas on a regular basis. They serve as amazing deep cleanse and help remove excess oil buildup so pores won’t get clogged leading to breakouts later down the road. If this sounds like something you need, It is recommend to check out Origins Clear Improvement Active Charcoal Mask. This face mask works for all skin types and will flush toxins that clog your pores.
Sunscreen
Use sunscreen when going outside during the colder months this winter! Most people don’t realize that the sun is stronger and more damaging in the winter months than it is in summer because of how cold it feels! If you wouldn’t wear a tank top out without protection then use at least SPF 15+ on your face/neck area. Don’t forget about lips either since using lip balm with sunscreen will help protect your skin from getting too much UV radiation.
Limit Shower Time
Limit your shower to less than five minutes. Cold Water: Use cold water as much as possible when you take a shower since the hot water will open up pores and allow for more moisture loss from the skin quickly. In general, it is best if you can pat dry or air-dry but make sure not to rub yourself with a towel after getting out of the shower! It’s important that one keeps their body heat constant in order to avoid excess chapping and flaking on especially sensitive areas like lips, hands, and feet.
Moisturizing Soap
During winter months avoid using a body wash, as it will strip your skin of its natural oils. Instead, use a gentle moisturizing soap or simply milk if you have dry skin and don’t want to purchase any special products! Those who deal with eczema may find relief from the itchiness by diluting pure aloe vera gel in water 50/50. If that doesn’t help there are plenty of other options out there so just make sure you get something mild enough for sensitive skin types since these months can be rough, even for people without issues!
Humidifier
Use a humidifier in your home to help moisturize the air since it can be incredibly dry during the winter months. It will also protect against cracking, flaking, and itching of skin! Just make sure you clean out your humidifier once or twice weekly depending on how often it’s used so no bacteria gets spread around. This is especially important if you let other people use it. Also, keep an eye out for any water stains inside which may indicate mold build-up that could potentially cause respiratory issues later down the road. Just don’t forget about replacing filters every few weeks too otherwise they won’t work as well either!
Proper Clothing
Wear proper clothing! Wool helps to increase circulation which can be helpful for those who are feeling cold, have low energy, and generally run down during the winter months. Even though it might seem like wearing cotton is fine since it’s considered lightweight what you don’t realize is that perhaps your skin actually needs protection from the elements rather than just getting soaked in sweat which you’d have to deal with later.
Don’t forget about your feet either. Just wear socks inside their house, rather than purchasing slippers or something that is made out of natural fiber. This will help keep the skin on your toes moisturized and avoid cracking over time! Make sure not to go barefoot in public either, as your skin can still get exposed to potential bacteria that you wouldn’t want getting into the cracks of your feet.
Drink Water
You will need to stay well hydrated to avoid dry skin! Dry skin can be a sign that your body is dehydrated which can cause other problems like joint stiffness and low energy. Make sure you remember to drink lots of water every day and not just when you’re thirsty. If you find yourself getting too cold or shivering a lot, try sipping some hot tea instead since it will help produce more body heat!
Conclusion
There are plenty of other ways to make sure your skin is well taken care of during the winter months. These tips should help you avoid dryness, flaking, and itching that often comes with this season. If none of it works then just remember there are dermatologists out there who can prescribe medication if necessary!
