Don’t Let the Winter Blues Get Your Skin Down

As the temperatures drop, it’s time to ramp up your beauty skin care routine to help you put your best face forward.

Just because you won’t be spending hours with your skin exposed to the harsh summer rays, doesn’t mean you can sit back and let nature take its course as we head into winter. In fact, this is exactly the time when your skin is going to need some extra tender loving care. During colder months it is important to combat the damaging and drying effects that harsh winds and low humidity cause on skin. Another factor of why skin needs more care is that we like to stay warm in the winter. We take long, hot showers, and turn up our heaters at home which lead to moisture being sucked out of the skin.

So, what can you do to keep your skin in tip top shape? Here are some tips to prepare for the cold.

Hydrate!

Before delving into some tips on what products to shop for in winter, there is one very important thing to remember — water. In summer, it’s easy to notice when we are getting dehydrated, but in winter the body needs help. You feel less thirsty and don’t remember to drink as often as you should. Winter air is dry, and your skin needs hydration just like in those glorious summer months. Heaters also dry out the air, taking a toll on the moisture content in your body and skin, so upping your H20 intake is step number 1 in prepping your skin for winter.

Hassle-Free Products

This winter, try find a product that does it all. You don’t want to be repeatedly rinsing to purify your skin, as it will dry it out. Opt for a facemask that purifies and hydrates simultaneously. You need to clean away the day and help skin breathe. But since winter leaves the skin parched, it’s important to find a mask that detoxes and replenishes, without stripping away moisture.

Antioxidant Boost

To give your skin an extra boost, you might be using a serum in the morning, at night, or both. But does your product include rich antioxidants? Well, it should. Not only do antioxidants leave your skin feeling and looking energized, but they protect it from free radicals which can damage the skin and speed up the aging process.

Friend or Foam?

You may love the foam cleanser you used throughout summer when your skin tended to be oily, but in winter foam is not your friend. These cleansers can cause skin irritation and needlessly strip away beneficial oils from your face. Instead, use an oil or gel cleanser to remove dirt and purify your skin.

Shower Pampering

Showering is an essential part of skin care, especially during the colder months — and not just to give you a hot respite from the chill. While you may love your water steaming hot, your skin doesn’t. Scalding showers can cause your skin to dry out, adding to the effects of the cold weather so use hot water in moderation. Also, once you’ve towel dried, use a lotion or body cream that is rich in moisture. This will help to avoid dry arms and legs — another great winter phenomenon (not!).

Beauty Shuteye

It’s not called beauty sleep for nothing. The time you spend getting quality sleep is essential as this is the time your skin gets nourished — especially during winter. Yes, the 8-9 hours you sleep (if you don’t have little kids that is!) are vital in any skincare routine. Before bed, make sure you apply a rich moisturizer that is right for your skin type and won’t cause irritation. Once you’ve got the right product, lather it in and let it work its magic while you get some well-deserved shuteye… This way you will wake up fresh-faced and ready for another day.