As the northern half of the world is starting to feel the chill in the air with the changing of seasons, many of us are also starting to see changes in our skin. A winter skin care routine is a necessity, especially for those of us who live in cold, dry climates. In winter, there is less moisture in the air, and indoor heating systems can be dehydrating to the skin.
Best winter skin care tips!
1: Stay hydrated
With hot temperatures during the summer months, it’s natural to automatically drink more fluids. Don’t lessen your water intake just because it’s getting cooler outside! You might not be craving a tall glass of ice water like you would in summer, but try room temperature water or a refreshing cup of warm tea to keep yourself hydrated.
2: Take care of your lips
Chapped lips in winter are a downer – they can be painful when exposed to extreme cold temperatures and chapping make it harder for any cosmetics to stay in place and look good! Make sure to protect your lips with a moisturizing balm that includes SPF. Just because it’s cold doesn’t mean the sun can’t harm your lips, so don’t skip the sun protection either! Which brings me to my next winter skin care rule… ‘
3: Wear sunscreen
Just because it’s not warm outside doesn’t mean there aren’t UV rays in the air, so don’t skimp on the SPF just because it’s winter. If you need extra moisture in your winter skin care regiment, look for moisturizing sunscreens or wear your sunscreen over your existing moisturizer.
4: Don’t forget your hands
Just like your lips, the skin on your hands is thin and delicate and can be susceptible to chapping in cold weather. Keep your hands moisturized with hand cream, and reapply throughout the cold days to keep your hands moisturized. To make it convenient, carry travel-sized hand cream wherever you go, or keep some at your office, in your car, and in your bag. And don’t forget gloves – when venturing outside, gloves will not only keep you warm, but they’ll protect the skin on your hands from cold temperatures, too!
5: Choose cosmetics wisely
Ever notice how foundation or blushes don’t apply as easily during wintertime? That’s because skin tends to be drier in winter, leading to flaking and dry patches. In times like these, using a primer will help cosmetics go on more smoothly. You can also try tinted moisturizer, which will moisturize and give your skin a little coverage without being drying. When picking cosmetics during winter, look for moisturizing formulas. Generally speaking, cream blushes and liquid foundations will give you more moisturizing benefits than those that are powder-based.
6: Consider changing products based on season
Your skin care needs may change drastically between seasons, particularly if you live in an area with extreme temperature fluctuations between summer and winter (or between outside and inside air temperatures thanks to fearsome central heating). Only you know what feels good on your skin – if you have skin that experiences more dryness in winter than other seasons, for example, you might consider switching to moisturizing formulas in everything from cleansers to cosmetics.
