Winter Skin Care Tips

The cold, dry air of the long winter season can leave skin feeling irritated and itchy, destroying all your efforts throughout the year to build a great complexion. For a lot of people, the cold and the snow means dry skin on the face, hands, and feet, but it doesn’t have to be that way. With a few simple tips you can maintain your healthy skin even in the face of a long, dark winter.

Drink Lots of Water

Staying hydrated is important for your overall health year round. It helps to flush the toxins from your body that can contribute to skin problems. While it may not automatically give you healthy, moist skin, it will contribute to a healthy body and better skin.

Eat Healthy

There are a number of foods that can keep your skin healthy. Omega-3 or omega-6 fatty acids like fish oil and flaxseed oil can help, but there are many foods and vitamins (such as Vitamins E and C) that can produce the results you want.

Use Sunscreen Outside

Sunscreen isn’t just for the warm days of summer. The winter sun and the increased glare from the snow can still cause significant damage to your skin. Sometimes, it may seem particularly gloomy and overcast, but UV rays can still penetrate the clouds and create problems.

Avoid Overly Hot Showers

On those really cold days, a long hot shower or bath may seem like just the thing, but water temperatures that are too hot can break down the lipid barriers in the skin, leading to a loss of moisture. Luke warm water is the better choice for your skin, and even then you shouldn’t spend too much time under the downpour.

Moisturize Frequently

Moisturizer is an important component of a winter care routine, but it’s important to find the right one. The lotion that works in the summertime may not be the best choice for the colder months. Choose a moisturizer that’s oil based, rather than water based, and use it often. Be careful where you use it, though, as some of these oils are not meant to be used on the face.

Lower Your Thermostat

The minute you turn on indoor heating, your skin is going to start drying out. Obviously, we are going to need to heat our homes, but try setting the thermostat to a comfortable level, but cooler than you might otherwise use. 68°F to 72°F should help you maintain your healthy skin.

Avoid Harsh Soaps

Many soaps contain ingredients that may aggravate itchiness or dryness. A lot of this comes from the fragrances or other artificial components, so you might consider washing with a fragrance-free moisturizing gel or cleanser.

Avoid Irritating Fabrics

As you bundle up to face the cold, dry temperatures, you need to make sure you aren’t doing more harm than good. Avoid fabrics that can be irritating like wool or polyesters and choose something like cotton. Many fabric softeners also have some fragrances that can be irritating, so leave them out and use a mild laundry detergent.