8 Ideas for Taking Care of Your Skin During the Winter

Wintertime can turn anyone’s skin from radiant and glowing, to dry and sallow. Between the change in temperatures, blustery days, and running your home’s heater, it’s no surprise that wintertime causes our skin to lose its luster. Fortunately, there are a number of ways in which you can improve your skin’s texture and protect it from the harsh winter months. Following, are eight ideas for taking care of your skin during the winter.

1- Reduce Heater Use

When temperatures drop, the first thing you want to do is turn up the heat. While heating your home may help you feel nice and snug, it wreaks havoc on your skin and can zap moisture quickly. Try not to rely too much on your heater this winter, and turn your thermostat up a few degrees in order to avoid drying out your skin.

2- Get a Humidifier

Because you’re still likely to crank up your heater, consider buying a humidifier for your home. Humidifiers work by releasing small water particles in the air in order to keep your skin from becoming too dry. A humidifier placed in your bedroom is a great way to keep your skin looking healthy throughout the season.

3- Limit Hot Showers

Just like hot air can dry out your skin, so can those long hot showers you crave during the wintertime. Not only is this bad for your skin, but it can also damage your hair. Limit your showers to five minutes, and resist the temptation to use extremely hot water.

4- Invest in a Good Moisturizer

Winter is a great time to change up your skincare routine. Do some research online, and invest in high-quality body oils or moisturizers that will keep your skin looking supple and soft. These products work by locking moisture into your skin, preventing dryness, and chapping from occurring.

5- Eliminate Restrictive Clothing and Irritating Fabrics

Many people prefer to bundle up in multiple warm layers to combat the cold, however, wearing restrictive clothing can irritate and dry out your skin. Fabrics like wool and polyester should be avoided. If you live in a particularly cold climate, try to stick with layers made from cotton to reduce your chances of dry, irritated skin.

6- Drink More Water

While you may feel more inclined to drink water during a hot summer day, staying hydrated through the winter is essential to keeping your skin healthy. Aim for at least eight glasses of water a day. If you’re particularly active, try to drink at least ten to twelve glasses. Your skin will thank you!

7- Get a Facial

Wintertime is the perfect time to schedule that long overdue facial you’ve put on the backburner. Scheduling an appointment with an esthetician is a great way to show your skin some love, and give it a hydrating boost to last throughout the long winter months.

8- Apply Lip Balm

One of the first signs you may experience when winter arrives is chapped lips. Cold, windy days and not applying lip balm is a recipe for dry, irritated lips. Try to avoid licking them, as this can cause them to dry out even more. Make sure to always carry chapstick with you, and apply as often as necessary to keep them moisturized and healthy.