It's that time of year again! Dry skin is a very common skin problem and is often worse during the winter months. In the winter your skin can feel uncomfortable, dry, and itchy. Here are 10 skin care tips to keep your skin thriving during the bitter cold season.
1. Drink Water
Drinking water is the most important thing you can do to keep your skin hydrated, supple and glowing. A common rule is to drink half of your body weight in ounces. So if your body weight is 100 pounds, you would drink 50 ounces of water per day. That would be three 16 ounce bottles of water. And if you're thirsty, drink some more!
2. Oil-based Moisturizer for Winter
Using an oil-based moisturizer in the winter will help your skin retain moisture by forming a protective layer on the skin. A good way to seal in moisture is to apply your moisturizer when your skin is still damp from a bath or shower.
3. Don't Forget the Sunscreen!
The sun's rays are effective all year around. Apply a layer of moisturizing sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher to any area of skin exposed to the sun such as the face and hands. Using sunscreens that combine an oily, moisturizing cream will act as a barrier to protect the skin against the harsh elements of winter.
4. Use a Humidifier
In the winter season we often turn the heat on or up in our homes causing the air inside to become dry, lacking moisture. Consistent travel from outdoors where it's cold and dry to indoors where it's hot and dry can wreak havoc on your skin. A humidifier can add moisture to the air and help soothe your cracked, dry skin or help your skin to maintain its suppleness. You can purchase a relatively inexpensive humidifier at most local drug stores.
5. Facial and Body Scrub
A good exfoliant goes a long way in bringing your skin from dry and drab to soft and glowing. Removing dry flaky skin and sloughing off dead skin cells will allow your skin to better absorb moisturizers and reveal a healthier glow. Exfoliating your skin once per week after cleansing will leave you feeling fresh and anew.
6. Skip the Blow Dryer
If at all possible, skip the blow dryer. The hot air from a blow dryer can further dry out the scalp and skin leading to irritation.
7. Don't Forget Your Lips
Your lips can become dry and cracked without the use of a good lip moisturizer. If you've ever experienced dry lips you know that it can be painful. Using a lip protectant and/or lip gloss will go a long way in helping you maintain soft and supple kissable lips. Layer a lip gloss over a lip protectant with an SPF of at least 15 for extra protection. I use Blistex SPF 15 Lip Protectant/Sunscreen under my favorite lip gloss; Victoria's Secret Beauty Rush Lip Gloss in cocoalicoius.
8. Take an Oil Bath
A few drops of oil can be added to your bath water to relieve dry skin all over your body. Olive oil, sweet almond oil, jojoba oil, or coconut oil are wonderful options. Not only are they nourishing but they are relaxing as well. But be extra careful because oil can cause your bath tub to become slippery. Enjoy!
9. Drink Tea to Boost Your Skin!
Drinking tea can be pleasurable on a cold, winter night. What you may not know is that it can be good for your skin too! Some teas include antioxidants, which help your body to strengthen its immune system and fight off free radicals. Free radicals harm healthy skin cells by affecting oxygen and DNA needed for skin cell repair causing skin damage including dryness, wrinkles, and hyperpigmentation. Antioxidants can help minimize the impact on your skin. My nightly routine includes a cup of Antioxidant Green Tea with Mint. Simply delicious!
10. Learn Your Skin and Body
No matter how many tips you read, your skin is unique and may or may not react favorably. Learn your skin and develop a routine that works for you.
What's your winter dry skin care tip?
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