While the winter brings wonderful pleasures such as comfy sweaters, hot chocolate, and holiday celebrations, it also comes with a few unwanted side effects; one of the most pervasive of these is dry, flaky, and chapped skin.
Other than slathering on moisturizing body lotion, what can you do to protect your skin? Here are five things you can do to make your skin stays soft and supple this winter.
- Cover your skin from head to toe
Naturally, you’ll want to bundle up because it’s cold, but covering up your skin is also one of the best ways to prevent dry and flaky skin. Make sure your hands are covered with gloves, protect your neck with a scarf, and pull a hat down over your ears to cover them.
- Change your moisturizing routine
In the winter months, the moisture from your skin evaporates quickly, and your skin also produces less natural oil. For these reasons, it’s important to use a thicker and heavier moisturizer than you do in the warmer months. Oil-based moisturizers are also great.
Be aware that you might break out initially as your skin gets used to the change. Apply the lotion as soon as you get out of the shower to lock in that moisture and wash it off with warm water before you go to bed each night so that your skin can breathe.
- Don’t forget about sunscreen
Sunscreen? In the winter? Yes, it’s true! The sun can actually be just as dangerous if not more so in the winter, especially if it’s glaring off ice and snow. Put on sunscreen 30 minutes before you go outside to give it a chance to dry; reapply frequently if you’ll be out in the sun for an extended period of time.
- Avoid super hot baths and showers
There is little that feels better in the winter than a scorching hot bath or shower. Unfortunately, the heat can break down the lipid barriers in the skin, resulting in a loss of moisture. Use warm water instead, or just try not to linger too long in the heat. Grab some high-quality, delicious-smelling bath gel and we promise that your shower will be just as fantastic.
- Turn on the humidifier
Central heating systems release dry, hot air throughout our homes and offices. While these feel great, they can really dry out your skin. Humidifiers help counter this effect by adding more moisture to the air. Place several humidifiers around your home so they can disperse moisture more evenly.
When it comes to protecting your skin this winter, remember to cover it up as much as possible; use a thicker, heavier, oil-based moisturizer; apply sunscreen; take warm baths and showers, and use a humidifier. A hydrated body is a happy body!
