In winter, our skin starts to feel dry, tight, and uncomfortably irritated due to cold air. It can be hard to enjoy winter when your skin feels rough. The wind outside makes the skin dry, and the inside heat reduces the moisture from the skin. It can cause flakiness, irritation, redness, and itchiness. People with normal or oily skin can also see a change in their skin due to winter and cold air. In this blog, we will take a look at how to prepare your skin for the winter.
The winter season skin needs proper care. The daily routine is important to take gentle care of your skin. The products that are must-haves in your daily skincare regimen in winter are moisturizer, cream, gentle cleanser, and sunscreen. The products are important, but healthy and nutritious food and drink, and plenty of water also play an important role.
The List of Things to Prepare Your Skin for the Winter
1. Switch to a Gentle Cleanser
In the winter, you have to use mild cleansers that will not strip your skin dry. Harsh soaps or facial cleansers remove dirt and oil from the skin, but they can make your skin rough. In winter, a cream-based or hydrating facial cleanser can be a good option for skin. The mild cleanser will cleanse your skin and maintain the essential moisture for dry skin.
2. Do Not Take Long Hot Showers
Hot showers are comfortable in winter, but the hot water can remove the oil from your skin. However, the oil is a natural protectant for skin. You should take short, lukewarm showers instead of hot water. You should use a gentle towel to soak your body, and do not rub the skin. Additionally, you should apply moisturizer to seal in the moisture in the skin.
3. Moisturize Directly After Washing
It is a simple and very effective habit to maintain your skin in cold weather. You should apply moisturizer as soon as you wash your face or bathe. The skin is more porous when it is damp. If you apply the moisturizer very soon after washing the face. It can help to seal in moisture and prevent dry skin from occurring.
4. Use the Right Moisturizer
The light lotions in winter do not perform well for the skin. You should use the cream and ointment-based moisturizer to see the long-lasting impact. The product you choose should have shea butter, glycerin, hyaluronic acid, or ceramides. These ingredients can help keep moisture intact and help repair the barrier of skin.
6. Apply Sunscreen
The cold weather does not mean our skin does not require sun protection. The sun can damage the skin in winter as well as in summer. The UV rays are still there in the winter when it is cloudy, and they can still damage the skin. If you are going to spend time outside, then you should apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen of SPF 30.
7. Wear Comfortable Fabrics
Wool is an insulating and warm fabric. There are times when wool and heavy-weight winter clothes can irritate your skin. You should wear only soft, breathable fabrics, like cotton, under sweaters. The soft cloths can help you reduce the roughness on the skin. This also decreased the chances of friction and redness or itching of the skin.
9. Keep Your Lips Hydrated
Chapped lips are another common winter skin condition. To avoid cracking or peeling, you should apply a lip balm. The lip balm should contain moisturizing ingredients such as shea butter, beeswax, or oils. You should try not to lick your lips because it only increases dryness!
10. Exfoliate
Exfoliation is important for getting rid of dead skin and helps your moisturizer work better. In the winter, take care so that you do not over-exfoliate! Exfoliate with a gentle scrub or exfoliating treatment once or twice a week. If you over-exfoliate, you risk damaging your skin and making it even more sensitive to the cold!
11. Eat Good Foods
Your diet also plays an important role in the health of your skin. Your diet should include healthy fats, which are found in foods like nuts, avocados, and seeds. Additionally, you should also eat nutrients from vitamin-rich fruits and vegetables, in oranges, carrots, and spinach. This food will help to improve the texture of the skin and improve overall appearance in the winter months.
13. Get Enough Sleep
The days of winter are short, and it can reduce your sleep. Sleep is important to replenish the skin. When you get enough sleep, you can see that your skin has reduced puffiness, dryness, and dullness. You should aim to get 7–8 hours of sleep every night.
Basic Winter Skincare Routine (Daily)
Morning:
- Mild cleanser
- Hydrating serum (optional)
- Suitable thickness moisturizer
- Sunscreen
Night:
- Cleanser
- Rich moisturizer or night cream
- Lip balm
- Hand cream and foot cream
Weekly (1-2 times):
- Gentle exfoliation
- Hydrating face mask
Conclusion
Skincare is important in the Winter season. With minimal efforts and a few changes in your routine, you can make your skin better. You should use a thicker and richer moisturizer, and drinking more water can make skin gentle and soft. If you follow the following things, then you can maintain soft and glowing skin in the winter season.
If you are looking for skincare solutions or wellness products for your winter routine, check out Hack & Slacks Healthcare—made with care for you.
FAQs About Winter Skincare Preparation For Skin
Q: How do I know if my skin is too dry in winter?
A: If your skin feels tight, rough, and flaky. And if your skin feels itchy, then your skin is dry. These are all signs that your skin would benefit from some more moisture.
Q: Do I need to stop washing my face during the winter?
A: You should wash your face in winter, but use a mild, moisturizing cleanser. It is still important to wash your face two times a day so you can have a clean slate for makeup or have fresh skin when going to sleep.
Q: Can oily skin feel dry in the winter?
A: Yes, even oily skin can lose moisture in the winter. So it is important to use lightweight, oil-free moisturizers that still hydrate the skin.
Q: Can I use body lotion on my face?
A: It is better to use products that are made specifically for the face. Body lotions usually have heavy oils. Due to this, you can have clogged pores on your face.
