Six Skincare Tips for the Winter
The dry, cold weather in the wintertime can take a serious toll on your skin. Many people experience red, flaky, or acne-prone skin in the winter, which can be frustrating and embarrassing. Fortunately, though, you don’t have to give up hope when the cold weather approaches. With some extra effort and adjustments to your skincare routine, you can keep your skin looking and feeling healthy. Here are six tips for taking care of your skin in the winter:
1. Take lukewarm showers.
Taking a long, hot shower is a great way to warm up when it’s cold outside, but it’s not so great for your skin. Hot water can severely dry out your skin, and going immediately from cold ear to a hot shower can be tough for your skin to deal with. Although it might not be as comfortable, your skin will feel better if you turn down the temperature and stick to lukewarm showers.
2. Drink plenty of water.
Winter skincare is all about hydration, and drinking plenty of water will moisturize your skin from the inside out. You should aim to drink at least eight cups of water a day to keep your skin healthy.
3. Cut back on acne products.
Products like benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid may work well to control acne in the warmer months, but they may do more harm than good in the winter. If you notice your skin becoming dry and flaky, try using your acne products less frequently. To replace these products, you could have a skincare treatment at a spa. An esthetician has access to specialized spa equipment and skincare products that can help with acne without drying out or damaging your skin.
4. Use a moisturizer with SPF.
Moisturizer is important all year, but you may need to use more of it in the winter to keep your skin hydrated. It’s also important to use a moisturizer with SPF, even if you don’t expect to spend much time outside. The sun can reflect off of the snow in the winter, increasing the chances of your skin being damaged by the UV rays.
5. Invest in a humidifier.
A humidifer will add moisture to the air in your home, which can prevent your skin from drying out. Many people find that humidifiers also help with sleep because the extra moisture in the air makes it easier to breathe. If a humidifier isn’t in your budget, you can put a heat-safe bowl of water on top of your furnace. As the water evaporates, it will moisturize the air just like a humidifier.
6. Try dry brushing.
Dry brushing is an effective way to get rid of flaky skin. It involves brushing your skin in long strokes with a natural-bristle brush. It removes dry skin, increases circulation, and stimulates the lymphatic system. You can dry brush your skin once or twice per week during the winter to help you skin feel fresher and healthier.