Photo: Sam Lion
It doesn’t matter what season it is, we want our skin to be healthy and look good, and for this, we need a really good skincare routine. Still, as with everything in life, nothing is perfect, and even when you find a skincare routine you’re satisfied with, chances are that you’ll have to change it every now and then. Temperature, humidity, wind, and UV index are just some of the important factors you should think about when it comes to steps in your skincare routine. If you were hoping to try something effective this winter that will make your skin glow, read on:
#1. Sunscreen Is a Must Any Time of the Year
Even though it feels like the spring will never come and that the sun is hidden forever behind the clouds, your skin is getting more sun exposure than you might think at first. Sunscreen in winter is a must, even if it’s cloudy, so you should make it a habit to put some on before you leave your house.
If it feels like too much work and you’re not sure how to apply your makeup on the sunscreen, you could always use a foundation with SPF. Unprotected sun exposure is a bad idea in any season and you’ll be wasting a lot of time and money too because your skin will be too damaged for your expensive products to take effect. So make sure you’re protected from the sun when you leave your home for the day.
#2. Keep Yourself & Your Skin Hydrated
Everyone notices that it gets cold and dry outside, but people also forget that it can get dry on the inside as well. Because we turn up our heaters and air conditions, the air becomes drier than before and our skin can suffer because of it. Water will evaporate more easily from your skin and you should keep your skin hydrated by drinking more water and using hydrating and moisturizing products. Even though you might not feel too thirsty, make it a habit to drink at least six glasses of water per day, and apply moisturizing creams before you go to bed.
#3. Prevent Pre-Mature Skin Aging & Wrinkles
Even though you’ll be doing your skin a huge favor by using sunscreen and moisturizer, the effects of time can’t be stopped. Wrinkles will show on our skin sooner or later, and cold winter weather can help in the process. If you’re hoping to keep your skin looking young and healthy for as long as possible, you should use products that contain hyaluronic acid, seeing as it’s by far the most popular biodegradable filling agent. Not just that, but these acids don’t cause allergic reactions because they are an integral part of the skin already, so look for products that contain hyaluronic acid if you want the best results.
Another way to prevent skin dryness and wrinkles is to moisturize your skin regularly. Instead of your favorite lightweight body yogurt, that soaks in no time, use something a bit more 'substantial'. Winter is a time when your skin craves nourishment, so you may wish to use something like this Invisicrepe Body Balm, which is infused with ingredients that promote collagen production and repair damaged skin, during this particular season to help skin stay smooth and supple.
#4. Don't Forget to Pamper Your Feet
The skin on your feet demands as much attention as the skin on your face, especially during the cold winter months. To keep the skin on your feet healthy and soft moisturize it daily with thick, nourishing cream and exfoliate at least once a week. Don't forget to regularly pamper your feet with an at-home spa bath. The foot spa baths are equipped with massaging nodes that relax the muscles and warm, bubbling water increases blood circulation.
#5. Your Hands Need Special Care
We cover our bodies with additional layers of clothes to stay warm, but even though we feel like we’ve done enough, our skin can still get damaged – especially the skin on our hands. This is because it’s thinner and contains fewer oil glands than the skin of the rest of your body. As a result, moisture will escape from your hands much faster and you’ll be left with cracks and itchiness. To prevent this from happening, apply a good moisturizer, and always wear woolen gloves when you go out. In case you’re allergic to wool, pick cotton gloves and try to keep your hands in your pockets.
#6. No Long Showers
After spending a lot of time outside, we naturally want to hop in the hot shower and spend hours there. Even though hot showers will warm you up, they’re not good for your skin in winter. Hot water removes natural oils from your skin and leaves your skin sensitive and dry, so try to avoid too-long and too-hot showers. In addition, you should avoid using foaming gels and body washes, as these can leave your skin feeling dry and rough. This is why mild, soap-free washes are better as they will nourish your skin.
#7. Exfoliate Your Skin Carefully
Getting rid of dead skin cells is essential for keeping your skin healthy and glowing, but you shouldn’t exfoliate your skin in winter the same way you do during warm summer months. Your skin barrier is damaged from the cold and dry weather and you don’t want to compromise it further by exfoliating too often and too much. Exfoliating once a week is perfectly fine as it will definitely help boost skin regeneration and help with product absorption afterward. Of course, if you have dry skin, you should avoid using aggressive exfoliators and use the one you made yourself out of coconut oil and ground coffee.
We’ve talked about revamping and upgrading your skincare routine for the winter, but it’s important to remember that you don’t necessarily have to turn it upside down and change it completely just because it’s cold outside. You can keep the steps you’re used to and simply change the products you’re using so that they fit the season a bit better. This way, you will be able to keep on with the routine that feels good for your skin and still get the best protection from the changing weather conditions.
Liz