The weather outside is frightful! The driest of seasons, winter, is upon us. That means colder temps, wind and heaters running day and night. All these elements combined can wreak havoc on your skin. So let's talk about some ways you can protect and nourish your skin to keep it healthy all winter long.
Drink Plenty of Water
Hydration starts on the inside. Keep a water bottle near throughout the day to ensure you're staying hydrated. Herbal teas and hot water with citrus also count as hydrating drinks. Consume caffeine and alcohol in moderation as they're both dehydrating to your body and skin.
Switch to a Cream or Oil-Based Cleanser
If you're not already using one, winter is a good time to switch to a gentler cleanser. Foaming cleansers can be drying to winter skin that is already struggling to stay hydrated. Choose a mild, hydrating cleanser like the Youth in Bloom Hydrating Cleanser that won't strip your skin of its much-needed natural oils. In the mornings, skip using any cleanser at all. Simply splash your face with lukewarm water and continue on with your skincare routine. Avoid using hot water on your face, as it can be drying.
Exfoliate Regularly
It may seem counterintuitive, but regular exfoliation is key to keeping skin hydrated year-round. Removing the top layer of dead, dry skin cells will allow your leave-on products to better penetrate the skin and do their work. Always be gentle, overly aggressive or too frequent exfoliation can be damaging to the skin. 2-3 times per weeks should do the trick. You can opt for an acid-based exfoliant like the Coconut Lactic Peel or a manual scrub like the Cucumber Face Polish. Both are gentle and effective options for all skin types.
Add a Hydrating Serum to Your Routine
If you're not already using one, consider adding a hydrating serum to your day and night routines. Serums contain concentrated ingredients that really help nurture dry and dehydrated skin. Use daily after cleansing and prior to your moisturizer to aid in keeping your skin nourished.
Mask
Adding a deeply hydrating mask to your skincare routine two to three times per week will give your dry skin the moisture it craves. The Honey Avocado Rescue Mask contains moisturizing and healing ingredients to nourish and deeply hydrate dry winter skin. And Bonus - it's great for moisturizing your lips.
Mask your hands too! Seriously! I always say that, to have younger looking hands, you need to treat them with the same anti-aging and hydrating products you use on your face. Obviously, you aren't going to use your acne treatments on your hands, but exfoliating, hydrating, brightening and anti-aging products work wonders to keep your hands looking smooth and soft.
My favorite hand care ritual includes double masking. I exfoliate and brighten the backs of my hands with a 10-minute treatment of the Coconut Lactic Peel, rinse and follow with a thick layer of the Honey Avocado Rescue Mask to replace lost moisture. Try it and let me know how lovely your hands look afterwards!
Up Your Moisturizing Game
The dry air in winter may mean your summer moisturizer just isn’t cutting it. If you're using a light moisturizer and your skin is begging for more, it's time to switch to a richer formulation for the winter season. The Herbal Day Cream and Herbal Night Cream were made to nourish the driest of skins. Apply generously after your serum to lock in moisture and protect your skin from the elements.
SPF 30+ Even in the Winter
The days may be gray, but those damaging UVA and UVB rays are still present, and wind and snow burn are real. You need to be using an SPF 30 or higher moisturizer daily to keep your skin healthy. Consider a moisturizing formula that will help nourish your skin as it protects it.
Limit Your Time in Hot Water
Unfortunately, as wonderful as a long hot bath or shower feel during winter, the longer you spend in hot water, the dryer your skin will become. You don’t have to give up hot water, just be cautious about the amount of time you spend in the bath or shower and be sure and moisturize your skin immediately after. The Naked Deep Tissue Massage Butter deeply moisturizes without leaving you feeling greasy. It's also recommended for use after you get out of a hot tub.
Consider Using Less Soap
Soap is cleansing, sure, but it's also very drying and it kills off beneficial microbes that keep our skin in a healthy balanced state. I've seen so many clients with dry, flaking, itchy and irritated skin find almost instant relief when they replace daily soap use with an oil-drenched sugar scrub. Oil is amazing at bonding with dirt and grime, then rinsing away with it - and without drying our skin. Add some sugar to gently polish away dead skin cells and you'll find yourself glowing, soft and smooth after a shower instead of flaky and dry. We obviously need soap in certain areas (hands, feet, private areas and armpits), but do your arms, legs and torso need so be soaped up every day? Probably not.
Don't Forget About Your Hands & Lips
Let’s face it, this time of year you might as well stick a hand cream, lip balm and pack of tissues in your bag and every winter coat pocket. Keeping a tin of Skin Doctor with you at all times will prove valuable in any weather. Apply a little after you wash your hands. Moisturizing multiple times each day will go a long way towards keeping your skin well hydrated. The same is true of Skin Doctor Lip Therapy. Keep it nearby for use multiple times per day.
You don’t have to give up winter fun or sacrifice healthy skin as the temperature drops. Simply make a few changes and you’ll be able to keep your skin healthy and beautiful no matter the season.
Is your skin dry, dehydrated or both? Read Next: No More Dry Patches
Shop This Post:
Youth in Bloom Hydrating Cleanser
Youth in Bloom Phytoactive Firming Serum
Naked Deep Tissue Massage Butter
