As temperatures drop, many of us experience a familiar seasonal discomfort: winter dryness. Changes in the level of humidity, cold outside conditions and unhealthy warm conditions inside homes and offices can cause rough, tight and sometime even stressed skin. Thank God that is the place where we learn a number of remedies which can help in preventing the skin problems during winter. The following is a comprehensive checklist on how to avoid dry skin: skincare measures that will ensure you’re not a prisoner of winter dryness.
1. Invest in a Humidifier
That is why, one of the most effective ways to deal with dry indoor air is to use a humidifier. Heating systems reduce the humidity in the air and since skin tries to balance this it will dry out. Using a humidifier to boost humidity in the house can do wonders; your skin will retain more water than it would otherwise. Try to keep the relative humidity within a range of 40 – 60 percent in the residential areas. But if a whole-house humidifier is not necessary, then you should use a small one by placing it near your bed so that when you’re sleeping and your skin is being repaired, the room is humid.
2. Select a Mild and Moisturizing Face Wash
As the weather gets colder, some facets of grooming need to be addressed starting with the cleanser you use. Strong detergents have a washing effect for the skin, removing all the natural lipid layer and causing increased dryness. Swap your current soap to a mild one that is specially formulated to nourish the skin without removing the skin’s sebum. There will be ingredients they call occlusives, such as glycerin, hyaluronic acid, or ceramides which lock in moisture. This is very helpful because hot water also affects your skin since it dries up the skin even further.
3. A Crucial Step
This is the little known secret that you need to embrace if you are to survive the harsh winter season: moisturizing. Next time you take a shower, make sure not to rub your skin when drying it and put on a good moisturizer when the skin is still moist. This helps seal in hydration. These include shea butter, squalane, or the oils if jojoba and almonds among others are ideal to look for in moisturizers. If you feel that your skin on your face is very dry then apply some dense cream or balm where you need it for additional layer of protection against loss of moisture.
4. Don’t Forget Sunscreen
However, the strength of direct sunlight felt during winter is not the same as that felt during summer; however, UV penetration occurs and may lead to dryness and skin aging. Fresh snow can reflect up to 80% of UV rays which means you are exposed to even more radiation if you are out in the cold. Wearing an SPF 30 or higher every day is not only going to shield you from damaging rays but will also put a moisturizer in your skin care.
5. Here is one creative way
Hydration starts from within. In winter we may consume more of tea, hot water, coffee and other beverages than we do in summer but it is important to ensure we take at least 8 glasses of water. You would also stay hydrated by taking other warm foods and drinks such as herbal tea. You should also include omega-3 fatty acid foods such as salmon, chia seed, walnuts, and others into your diet for better skin moisture barrier health.
6. Incorporate Overnight Mask and Facial Oils-
And up it a notch by throwing an overnight hydrating mask or nourish facial oil into your night-skincare routine once in awhile. Overnight masks that trap water in the skin so that active ingredients can really penetrate while you sleep. The plus about facial oils is that when layered over your moisturizer, they can provide an additional top layer which helps in minimizing water loss on the skin. Opt for oils such as argan, marula or rosehip which are mild and rich in nutrients the skin loves.
7. Wear Protective Clothing
It is often a cold air season which can be worst to the exposed area redness with more dry skin. The skin of your hand could be shielded by scarves, gloves etc. from other outside elements that damage the skin. Also, choose scarves and hats made of natural materials like cotton or wool (with soft linings), which are less likely to be irritating on dry/sensitive skin.
Final Thoughts
Just because it is winter, does not necessarily mean your skin needs to be dry and too tight. A few tweaks to your skincare, home habits and hydration can have you feeling the best of summer…only more comfortable. Follow these simple tips and you can retain the softness, suppleness of your skin to make it winter ready.