Winter Skincare: How to Protect Your Skin from Dryness

 

Winter has cold wind, low humidity and dry indoor heating which can damage your skin. Otherwise, without care, your skin will be dry, flaking, itchy even cracking. There is no doubt that to have healthy, glowing skin in winter, the skincare routine should be changed.

In this in-depth guide, we are going to look at the best winter skin care tips so that your skin remains hydrated, well nourished, and healthy. We will discuss everything you need to know to battle it out with winter dryness, including selecting the proper moisturizer to lifestyle changes.

 

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Why Does Winter Cause Dry Skin?

Without getting into the solutions, one must know the reason why winter is especially cruel to the skin:

1.    Low Humidity - Cold air contains less moisture and this causes dryness.

2.    Indoor Heating – Artificial heat during indoor heating causes dehydration to the skin by reducing the humidity in the interior.

3.    Hot Showers – As much as it may be tempting, hot water removes natural oils on the body.

4.    Harsh Winds – Cold winds may hurt the protective barrier of the skin.

5.    Deficiency of Sunscreen - Sunscreen is not used by most people during winter, however, sunrays can still pose harm.

The knowledge of these factors can assist in designing a beneficial winter skincare routine.

 

Essential Winter Skincare Tips

1. Switch to a Richer Moisturizer

Lightweight lotions do not hydrate in winter. Use a creamier moisturizer that has ingredients such as:

·       Hyaluronic Acid - Pulls moisture onto the skin.

·       Glycerin - Assists in maintenance of moisture.

·       Shea Butter or Ceramides - Enhances skin barrier.

When you have washed your face or taken a shower, it is best to apply moisturizer to seal in moisture.

 

2. Use a Gentle, Hydrating Cleanser

Abbreviated oils may be removed by harsh soaps, aggravating dryness. Select a cream or an oil-based cleanser which should not dry out the skin. Seek sulfate free products that keep the skin in a moisture balance.

3. Limit Hot Showers and Baths

Although hot water can be soothing, it washes away the important oils on the skin. Rather, take lukewarm showers and do not spend too much time in the shower (5-10 minutes). Pat your skin dry (do not rub) after bathing and then moisturize your skin when it is still wet.

4. Exfoliate Gently

Skin cells may accumulate and cause the skin to appear dull and flakey. But dry skins are easily irritated with excessive exfoliation. Skip harsh scrubs in favor of a mild chemical exfoliant (such as lactic acid or PHA) once or twice a week.

5. Don’t Skip Sunscreen

UV rays exist even during cloudy days in winter. Apply broad spectrum SPF + 30 sunscreen all the time, particularly when you are outdoors. UV rays are reflected by snow and hence the exposure.

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6. Hydrate from Within

Consumption of adequate water is essential in skin hydration. Add food containing a lot of water such as cucumbers, oranges and leafy greens to your diet. One can also stay hydrated by using herbal teas and warm water and lemon.

7. Use a Humidifier

The heating system in buildings dries the air and the skin becomes dry. A humidifier replenishes the moisture and helps avoid the dehydration of skin. Put one in your bedroom and it works best.

8. Protect Your Lips and Hands

In winter, lips and hands tend to crack. Apply a lip balm that does not contain fragrance and has ingredients such as beeswax or sheaf butter. Hands should be washed and a thick hand cream used on them and wear gloves when out.

9. Layer Skincare Products Properly

This is a winter skincare routine to be followed in order to stay hydrated:

1.    Cleanse a gentle cleanser.

2.    Toner (optional) Alcohol - free and hydrating toners may help.

3.    Serum - Hyaluronic acid serums increase moisture.

4.    Moisturizer - An enriched cream to lock moisture.

5.    Facial/Oil (optional) Jojoba or squalane oil provides additional nourishing.

6.    Sunscreen (AM only) - UV damage.

 

10. Wear Appropriate Clothing

Cover naked skin with scarves, gloves and hats of soft, non-irritating materials such as cotton. Direct contact of the skin with wool is to be avoided since it may irritate.

 

DIY Winter Skincare Remedies

Natural skincare Is more to your liking, so, here are some homemade remedies to dry skin:

1. Honey and Yogurt Mask

·       Ingredients 1 tbsp plain yogurt + 1 tbsp honey.

·       Rub on the face 10-15 minutes and wash off.

·       Advantages: Honey is humectant and yogurt is rich in lactic acid which exfoliates gently.

2. Oatmeal Soak for Dry Skin

·       Take oats and grind it to powder and add it to warm water.

·       Leave on 10 minutes or use as a dry patch paste.

·       Advantages: Oats calm the skin and hold water.

3. Coconut Oil for Extra Hydration

·       Put a little virgin coconut oil on dry patches.

·       It is best applied at night in order to prevent greasiness.

·       Advantages: Coconut oil is intensively moisturizing.

(Note: Test DIY patch remedies at first so that allergic reactions do not occur.)

 

Lifestyle Adjustments for Healthy Winter Skin

In addition to using skincare, minor lifestyle changes may prove to be impactful:

ü Consume Omega -3 Fatty Foods Salmon, flaxseeds, and walnuts keep the skin elastic.

ü Prevent Rooms to be too Hot - It is important to keep the rooms moderately warm to avoid over-drying.

ü Wear Breathable Materials - Select clothes that are not skin irritants.

ü Minimize Stress - Stress will aggravate skin problems; learn some Relaxation skills.

 

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Common Winter Skin Problems & Solutions

1. Eczema Flare-Ups

·       Apply hypoallergenic and fragrance-free moisturizers.

·       Do not scratch; put on cold compresses on itchy places.

2. Chapped Lips

·       Clean with a soft toothbrush.

·       Use lanolin / petroleum jelly balms.

3. Redness and Irritation

·       Apply aloe Vera gel, chamomile-infused products to soothe skin.

·       Do not use harsh actives such as retinoids when skin is sensitive.

 

When to See a Dermatologist

In case dryness causes extreme cracking, bleeding, and/or constant irritation, seek the assistance of a dermatologist. They are able to prescribe special treatments that suit your skin.

 

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Final Thoughts

During winter, special care about hydration and protection should be paid to skin. Dryness can be kept at bay by making a few changes to your routine: using richer moisturizers, avoiding hot showers, covering exposed skin and keeping hydrated. Don t forgets to be consistent!

This allows you to have soft, supple skin throughout the winter season with these tips. What is your winter skincare tip? Comment below!

 

Disclaimer: This article is informational in nature and does not form medical advice. To get a skincare routine specific to you, visit a dermatologist.