Windy days and late nights can leave us with dry skin, red cheeks and chapped lips. Want to combat the ravaging effects of winter and wake up looking flawless? Start by incorporating herbal teas, soups and broths into your diet to keep your body—including your skin—hydrated.
Follow these cardinal rules of cold weather care and you’ll stay glowing.
1. Be gentle
During the winter months, swap your regular cleanser for a milk-based or foaming cleanser—one that’s more hydrating and doesn’t contain harsh detergents, which can strip the skin of moisture. In addition,
- exfoliate no more than once or twice a week
- use a hydrating mask instead of a clay-based mask
- if your skin is very dry, avoid using harsh peels and alcohol-based toners
2. Check your face cream
Pick a facial moisturizer containing peptides, which encourage collagen growth, as well as an antioxidant to neutralize any sun damage. If you like your existing night cream but want a boost, try layering a few drops of olive oil on top of it.
3. Don’t delay moisturizing
Hot showers can strip away the skin’s hydration. Not moisturizing immediately after showering allows skin’s moisture to quickly evaporate into the dry air.
4. Help your hands
Moisturize hands with a heavy-duty hand cream like shea butter. While using these creams during the day can leave a greasy residue on your keyboard, using them before sleep allows plenty of time for them to absorb into your skin, leaving your hands soft and hydrated when you wake.
5. Remember the SPF
UVA levels are almost the same throughout the course of the year. Use a moisturizer containing SPF every day, even in the winter, especially if you’re spending a lot of time outdoors.
6. Don’t overindulge
Think twice about eating that extra truffle or drinking an extra glass of wine. Winter festivities mean you might be staying up late and indulging in alcohol and high-sugar foods, both of which can decrease your skin’s health.
7. Get enough sleep
Sleep is your body’s chance to repair and rejuvenate itself after a hard day. Make sure you get seven to eight hours every night.
8. Sweat it out
Just because it’s cold outside doesn’t mean you should stop exercising. Staying fit all year round not only boosts your immunity, but it also improves circulation to your skin, keeping wrinkles at bay.
9. Feed your skin
Eat a healthy diet rich in vitamins C and B complex during the winter months to ensure your skin gets the vitamins it needs.
Moisturize skin from the inside out by choosing healthy oils like flaxseed, extra-virgin olive, fish and coconut.
