In winter, one of your chief concerns might be staying warm. And while we tend to focus on dangers associated with the scorching temperatures of summer, we often forget that the colder seasons have their problems, too. One of those is actually dehydration. Because cold air holds less moisture, our environments tend to be a lot dryer — and that can wreak havoc on your skin.
How to Quench Your Skin’s Thirst and Stay Hydrated This Winter
The bottom line is that, even if you have naturally oily skin, your skin needs moisture to function at its best. Without enough water or moisture in the air, your complexion can start to look dull, listless, flaky, or inflamed. To avoid these scenarios and to ensure you continue to sparkle in every Zoom meeting, here are a few tips that will keep your skin happy all winter long.
Up Your Water Intake
One of the most obvious ways to care for your skin is to start on the inside. Increasing your water intake can have huge effects on your skin’s appearance. Although 65% of parents using bottled water didn’t know the levels of fluoride it contained, you can help your teeth and skin by increasing how much water you drink each day. If you have trouble accomplishing this task, try infusing your water with fresh fruit or eating foods that contain a lot of water, like watermelon, cucumbers, and broth-based soups. And while more than 60% of women don’t engage in the recommended amount of physical activity, remember to drink even more if you’re working out (or even if you’re just shoveling your driveway!) to replace what gets released in the form of sweat.
Find Skincare That Works
No matter what type of skin you have, it’s likely that you need to use a moisturizer every day. You’ll want to find one that won’t clog your pores and that will actually attract moisture to your skin. As far as skincare goes, you’ll also want to discontinue the use of any cleansing products that irritate or dry your skin out; even if they work in the summertime, you might need to establish a new routine for the colder months. And if you use exfoliants, make sure that they’re mild and that you use them sparingly. Exfoliating your skin can allow moisturizers to penetrate your skin more effectively, but some products may simply be too harsh for winter weather.
Use a Humidifier
Indoor heating systems can really take a toll on how you feel. If you’re waking up with a sore throat or dry nasal passages every day, chances are that your skin is being affected by the air, too. You should consider investing in a humidifier for your bedroom to add in some moisture to the air while you sleep. Since you’ll probably spend at least seven hours in this room every night, it makes sense to care for your skin this way — even while you sleep. As a bonus, you might not feel as much sinus pressure upon waking and you might actually improve your immunity, as dry air can make us more vulnerable to illness.
Focus On Your Lips and Hands
Dry lips and hands are often a telltale sign of dry or dehydrated skin, but we tend to forget about these areas at times. As part of your daily and nightly routine, include a lip hydrating product and a thick hand cream that will keep everything feeling soft and smooth. If you take good care of your hands, you’ll always look youthful — and a beautiful pout is a must, even if it’s being covered up by a mask.
Skip the Daily Shower and Makeup Routine
Many of us have gotten into a daily shower habit, but it’s actually not the best schedule for your skin or your hair. Well water, which around 13 million households use for drinking water, can sometimes be more gentle on the skin. However, taking a hot shower every day in the winter can dehydrate your skin as a whole. It’s better to limit your shower routine to every other or every few days to make sure those natural oils aren’t stripped away. As far as daily makeup goes, you may want to rethink that routine, too — especially if you’re already experiencing dry and flaky skin. If you can’t go completely makeup-free, try to use a tinted moisturizer or BB cream when you want to give your skin a break. Caked-on makeup can exacerbate certain issues and make it harder for your skin to breathe, so opt for a more natural look when you can.
Skin issues can persist during any season, but the cold is especially rough on your mug. With these tips in mind, you can achieve that glow-up even during the dark days of winter.
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