Winter is here and it’s time to enjoy all the cold weather activities you can only do this time of year. But before you venture outdoors, remember that winter is an environmental vampire that constantly sucks the life out of your skin. It sounds dramatic, but it’s also science: cold air retains less moisture, causing skin to lose hydration and turn into a flaky, dry, itchy mess.
Now I know you’re thinking the joke is on winter because you don’t enjoy anything outdoors this time of year. Well, indoor heating is also a moisture-sucking vampire that you can’t escape. So, you have two options: slather yourself from head to toe in Vaseline and retreat to your coffin era for the next three months. Or try the following tips from board-certified dermatologist Lauren Fine, MD, to help keep your skin healthy all winter long.
Read: 10 foods for beautiful and healthy skin >>
Try a bottle of moisturizer…
More hydrating formulas tend to be thicker creams and ointments that are stored in tubs. Lotions and gels in pump bottles tend to be more diluted products and not as hydrating.
…But don’t try not to take a long soak in a bathtub.
A hot bath seems like a good idea on a cold day, but the hotter the water, the more moisture and oil is lost. If you want to keep it steaming, limit yourself to 10 minutes max in the tub. Hot showers will also strip moisture from your skin, so the less time you’re in the water, the better.
Moisturize after shower
Your skin absorbs moisture better when you first get out of the water, so apply thick creams or moisturizers as soon as you’ve towel-dried. This is especially important if your skin is already dry and has trouble absorbing moisture.
Protect your pout
The outermost layer of skin (epidermis) on your lips is thin and your lips do not contain oil glands, so adding moisture is key during the winter. Instead of lipstick, try an ointment that may contain ingredients that can ultimately dry things out. Apply the ointment several times a day and stay on top of it: if you’re outside for an extended period, reapply it every few hours.
Read: Why Your Lips Are Chapped (And How to Help Them) >>
Don’t forget the sunscreen
Sunscreen should be on your mind and on your skin 365 days a year. Try switching to a face and body moisturizer that has SPF, so you never forget.
Reevaluate retinol
Retinol is a popular ingredient in many skin care products, but it can be more drying in the winter. If you use a retinol product every day and your skin feels too dry or sensitive, reduce your use to three or four times a week. Or switch to a different formula that isn’t as strong or pair it with a moisturizing facial lotion. Apply the retinol first and then apply the moisturizer on top.
Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate…
You probably won’t be as hot or sweaty as you are in the summer, but you still need to drink plenty of water to keep your skin (and body) hydrated. Water is key to preventing dry, flaky skin and helps with elasticity. Try drinking nine glasses of water a day to keep everything hydrated and healthy.
…Then hydrate a little more
Give your facial skin a little extra TLC with a hydrating face mask. Look for options labeled “nourishing” or “hydrating” and containing water-retaining hyaluronic acid.
buy a humidifier
A humidifier returns moisture to the air so your skin can absorb hydration naturally. Try placing one in your bedroom or living room, wherever you are, to keep dry skin at bay.
Cover yourself from the cold
If you plan to spend a good amount of time outdoors, cover your skin and face as much as possible. A light, breathable fabric like cotton is a good choice for a face covering.
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