Just because “the weather outside is frightful” doesn’t mean your skin has to be! Cold temperatures don’t do our skin any favors. From loss of moisture to wind chapping, cracking and splitting; to scales, flakes, and peeling…need I continue?
Not everyone experiences the same type of skin troubles during Fall and Winter, but here are a few tips anyone can benefit from:
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Switch It Up
Nix oil stripping cleansers + toners during colder months. This goes for both face AND body. The best way to tell: if you use a particular product during the warmer months because you enjoy how refreshing it is, how you look less greasy, etc. opt for a creamier, more moisturizing formula. Also, consider switching your highly scented body wash for one with oils or oatmeal to soothe itchy, dry skin. Many fragrances are alcohol based, and that is never hydrating.
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Turn DOWN the Heat
Don’t be tempted to increase the temps in your shower/bath. Hot water strips skin of its natural oils. But make sure to moisturize immediately after on DAMP SKIN. The moisture on your skin’s surface will help the moisturizer absorb and do its job a bit better. Think of it like this: with a little extra moisture on your skin’s surface, the lotion/oil has even more hydrating properties to take with it through your skin layers. Hello hydration!
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Fight Flakes
I should learn to follow my own advice, but: DON’T PEEL (believe me, I’m well aware of how tempting this is!). Instead just buy a heavier moisturizer and moisturize damp skin (see the point above). If you’re unsure of which “heavier moisturizer” to buy, see if your daily moisture lotion comes in a cream formula, or a “for dry skin” formula. When exfoliating: don’t buy natural scrubs for your face. Harsh, jagged, crushed nut shells will do more damage than good. Look for spherical exfoliating beads within the cleanser; they’ll be much gentler to your beautiful face. As for other troublesome areas: I prefer natural scrubs for my body. I always try to look for oil-based scrubs because after sloughing off the dead skin you’re left with silky softness before you even exit the shower.
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Hydrate from the Inside Out
I think this is just a rule of thumb, but maybe for some it’s not…yet: Eat healthy to keep your skin glowing from the inside out. Green tea, water-based fruits (think: melons + cucumbers), and foods high in omega-3s (check out nuts, legumes, tuna, and salmon) all do wonders for moisturizing your skin. And, as always: Drink plenty of water!
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Pamper Your Paws
I’m sure your frost bitten fingertips and worn out heels could use a little TLC. To show your digits a little lovin’ exfoliate both hands and feet, slather on a rich moisturizing cream or oil, and slip on cotton gloves and socks for overnight absorption. You’ll wake up to pampered paws!
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Don’t Skip Your SPF
Even though the temperatures have gotten colder, the sun still has the same effects. Do not let this half of the year be your excuse to avoid applying SPF. While you may be able to cut back on the SPF number during these months (because, really, you’re not going to enjoy your lunch break at an outdoor café any time soon), don’t skimp on it all together. Many daily moisturizers now offer a range of SPF protection, so you can pick and choose what is right for you without having to apply Banana Boat before work. If you are one of those ladies who loves the outdoors and outdoor activities all year round, do not let your SPF number decrease. Are you a skier or snowboarder? Think of the snow as a giant reflector for the sun. Make sure to reapply!
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Keep Moving
Staying as active as you were in the warmer months will allow you to maintain your rosy glow—and it won’t just be from frost bite! Colder temps will definitely put a damper on your normal outdoor workouts, but don’t let that stop your routines all together. Keeping your blood flowing, your endorphins high, and heart rate up will make you (and your skin) much happier than remaining sedentary.
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Bathe Less Often
Ok, this may be a bit extreme for some, but at least cut back on the duration that you are bathing. The less amount of time you spend in the scalding hot water the less drying your shower will be. I understand you really don’t want to give up those glorious mornings basking in the steaminess, but think of how amazing your skin will feel once you actually cut down on your shower’s duration.
If you’re looking for any additional alternatives to aid winter skin or suggestions for any of the 8 points above feel free to contact me—I am more than happy to answer all readers’ questions to the best of my abilities 🙂
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