The weather has changed, you could feel the cold air blowing in the wind, and your face skin is starting to dry out from the wind and cold. Does that sound familiar?
Winter can be very harsh on our skin; dry skin, cracked hands and feet, chapped lips and etc. It's important to take care of our face skin this winter to help prevent or reverse any damage caused by the harsh weather conditions.
Here are some tips on how to take care of your face skin this winter in order to keep it healthy and soft throughout the cold weather season.
1. Moisturize with an oil-based moisturizer:
Natural oils will not only seal moisture into your skin, but also help with healing any dry patches you may have.
Avocado oil is a great option, because it has some natural anti-inflammatory properties that can help calm redness and irritation.
Grapeseed oil is another good option for dry or sensitive skin, as it is light enough to provide a thin layer over your makeup while still moisturizing the skin.
Almond oil is rich in vitamin E, which can protect against free radicals that cause cell damage and inflammation.
A lighter alternative for those who live in warmer climates (or those who prefer something non-greasy) would be jojoba oil. It's safe for acne-prone skin, absorbs quickly, doesn't clog pores, and won't leave your skin feeling greasy.
If you find that one type of oil makes your skin feel too greasy or heavy, try switching to a different type to see if it feels better on your skin.
2. Always use sunscreen:
Sunscreen is one of the most important aspects of a skincare routine. It blocks the sun's ultraviolet rays and can prevent premature aging, wrinkles, and even skin cancer.
The American Academy of Dermatology recommends using an SPF 30 or greater when spending time outdoors.
Additionally, it's best to apply sunscreen every two hours if you're outside for prolonged periods. When choosing a sunscreen, be sure to pick an oil-free lotion that won't clog your pores or cause acne breakouts.
3. Use makeup products designed for the season:
The cold, dry air and lack of humidity outside can wreak havoc on your skin. To maintain a healthy complexion, use a moisturizer that contains hyaluronic acid-a molecule that attracts moisture from the air and keeps it close to the surface where it's needed most.
In the morning, apply moisturizer with SPF 30 or higher. For any spots that are bothering you, try applying tea tree oil (which is antimicrobial) directly onto the blemish before bed.
Consider incorporating clay masks into your beauty routine once a week to detoxify and draw out impurities.
4. Pack face masks when traveling:
Pack face masks when you travel. The cold weather and low humidity can lead to dry skin, so pack a moisturizing mask for your return flight. It'll help keep your skin hydrated and will give you a quick pick-me-up after a long day. Plus, it'll make you feel like treating yourself.
Harsh environmental conditions may cause skin damage that is painful and could even lead to severe illness if left untreated.
5. Get 10 minutes of sunlight a day:
In the winter, your body produces less vitamin D from sunlight. This means your skin needs extra protection from the elements.
To protect your skin, get at least 10 minutes of sunlight a day, drink water and eat healthy foods that contain omega-3 fatty acids (e.g., salmon, walnuts) and apply sunscreen when you're outside for an extended period of time.
If you must be out during extreme weather, like on an ice fishing trip or skiing up a mountain, try adding sunblock or ski goggles to protect your eyes and nose from frostbite respectively.
6. Clean your face with gentle cleansers every night:
Many people have their own preferences for what cleanser they like, but it is always a good idea to look for one that has been non-comedogenic (doesn't clog pores) and formulated with ingredients that are gentle and suited for your skin type.
For example, if you have dry skin, stay away from harsh exfoliating ingredients such as salicylic acid, because it will only cause your dry patches to get worse. In the morning, use a sunscreen: Sunscreen isn't just important in the summer!
You'll want to make sure you're wearing some every day so your skin stays healthy and strong all year long.
7. Avoid sleeping on your back:
It is important to avoid sleeping on your back because it can lead to wrinkles and sagging skin. Sleeping on your back can also cause a loss of elasticity which will result in a droopier appearance.
Keep your mouth closed when you sleep as this will help protect the delicate skin around your lips and prevent dryness or chapping. Also, keep your hands away from your face as much as possible, especially during cold days.
Drink enough water, stay away from coffee, tea and alcohol consumption too close to bedtime. Wash your pillowcases regularly with cold water.
Lastly, consider purchasing an eye mask for nighttime use to block out light and reduce under-eye puffiness.
8. Add extra moisture during cold dry days:
There are many ways to do this, but here are a few ideas:
- Use your favorite facial moisturizer.
- Nourish your skin with oils like jojoba oil and coconut oil.
- Drink plenty of water.
- Eat healthy fats found in salmon, nuts and avocados.
- Wear an SPF of at least 30 when you're out for long periods.
- Check the weather forecast before going outdoors so that you can dress appropriately.
- Remove makeup before bedtime so it doesn't clog pores or block pores from breathing overnight.
- Stay hydrated by drinking lots of water (at least 8 glasses) during the day to avoid dry patches on the skin.
Importance of winter skin care:
Winter is the time when our skin suffers the most. The cold weather and dry air makes it difficult for our skin to maintain its natural moisture.
It is important that we have a little routine for caring for our face during this time so that we can avoid dry, flaky patches and other problems that arise from improper skin care.
Winter can wreak havoc on your skin, so it's important to get in the habit of caring for your skin this time of year. It's a good idea to use a moisturizer every day and don't forget about your lips!
- Moisturize at night as well as in the morning.
- If you suffer from dry or cracked skin, apply some ointment before bedtime.
- If you spend most of your days inside, you may want to consider using an indoor tanning system (which includes Vitamin D).
- You should also wear sunscreen with an SPF 15 or higher during peak hours when sunlight is strongest - 10am-2pm - because sun exposure can lead to wrinkles and age spots.
- Blemishes can form if the air contains too much bacteria and dirt. To combat these, keep your hands clean and wash them often to avoid spreading bacteria around.
- Keep your cellphone clean by wiping it off with a disinfectant wipe.
- Wear natural fabrics that breathe instead of synthetic ones that trap heat and moisture against the skin.
- Protect your skin with hats, scarves and gloves to guard against harsh winds and cold weather.
- Apply petroleum jelly to chapped areas like the nose, cheeks, chin and ears.
- Try different lotions until you find one that works best for you.
- Cleanse your face with a cleanser made especially for sensitive or dry skin. These cleansers are gentle and leave your skin feeling clean without drying it out.
- You may also want to consider an exfoliating product, like a scrub or cream, which will slough off any dead cells on the surface of your skin.
- If you suffer from acne-prone skin (or if you're prone to breakouts), you may want to use a face wash specifically designed for acne-prone skin types.
How to take care of acne prone skin in winter:
Here're some tips to take care of acne-prone skin in the winter season; including:
- Make sure you wash your hands before touching your face.
- Use a gentle cleanser with a low pH and avoid exfoliating or rough scrubs on acne prone skin.
- Keep up with the basics by moisturizing and wearing sunscreen every day, even if it's just SPF 30!
- Apply a thick moisturizer that contains ceramides before going out into the cold weather.
- Drink plenty of water and don't forget your Omega-3s!
- Always use sunscreen as part of an overall sun protection plan.
In addition to using over-the-counter topical medications, be aware that there are many prescription treatments for acne that can help treat active breakouts. Depending on severity and other concerns, a dermatologist may prescribe oral antibiotics (such as tetracycline), anti-androgens (such as spironolactone), isotretinoin (Accutane) or hormonal therapy (birth control pills).
Treating acne not only will result in clearer skin but also decreased risk of scarring. If nothing is working or your acne is severe, consult a dermatologist for recommendations.
How to take care of dry face in winter:
It is common for people's faces to become dry during the winter. There are many ways to help your skin stay moisturized and healthy.
- One way is by using products such as masks, creams, serums and oils. You can also use a humidifier in your room or use a cool mist at home.
- Drink lots of water and make sure you are eating well. Eating fruits will also help keep your skin hydrated. Make sure you're drinking enough water and don't forget about SPF!
- If you're living with a chronic disease, it might be worth talking to your doctor about prescription medications that may help with the dryness. Depending on the severity of your symptoms, they may also suggest over-the-counter treatments like lotions or ointments.
- Keep warm while outdoors, wear a hat and scarf when needed, drink plenty of fluids throughout the day and avoid alcoholic beverages which can worsen dryness symptoms. Keeping hydrated is one of the best ways to keep your skin looking and feeling great.
How to take care of oily skin in winter:
Winter is a great time to try out new beauty routines, but it can also be a good time for your skin. The cold weather can dry out your skin and cause it to produce excess oils, so here are some tips for taking care of your face during this season.
- Use an oil-free moisturizer or serum during the day and at night before bed. This will work with your body's natural oils that were produced in response to the dryness created by the cold. It will also help keep you from getting as greasy in your sleep.
- Keep up on regular facials. These treatments have lots of benefits, but they're especially important when the air gets very dry outside.
- Try an exfoliating scrub once a week if you usually wash your face daily. Exfoliation helps remove dead cells which might clog pores and lead to acne breakouts; however, it's not recommended for sensitive skin types because it can irritate them easily. If you have sensitive skin, then use a gentle exfoliator about twice per month.
- Avoid long showers/baths where water could aggravate dry skin. Showers should be no more than five minutes long at most!
- Moisturize after showering or bathing to lock in moisture and prevent irritation.
- Eat healthy! Foods rich in omega 3s like salmon, walnuts, spinach and other leafy greens will provide nutrients that are essential for healthy looking skin. Vitamin A found in foods such as carrots, sweet potatoes and apricots is essential for building collagen - which keeps skin strong and supple. And lycopene found in tomatoes can help protect against sun damage (just don't forget sunscreen!).
Conclusion
In conclusion, taking care of your face skin during the cold months is important for maintaining healthy and youthful looking skin. It can be done by following these few steps:
1) wash your hands before touching your face 2) avoid hot drinks, alcohol and smoking 3) moisturize with a rich cream 4) avoid scrubbing or using exfoliation 5) wear sunscreen 6) wear hats when outdoors 7) use warm water 8) don't forget to eat well 9) stay away from heating sources 10) drink enough fluids 11) get plenty of rest 12) try not to touch your eyes as much 13) remove makeup carefully 14) protect your lips with lip balm 15) apply hand cream 16) put on clean gloves while outside 17) apply SPF 30 lotion 18). Keep in mind that you may need to experiment with different products and treatments to find out what works best for you.
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