Winter Proofing Your Skin

Your skin needs extra pampering during the winter, because your circulation is decreased by the harsh, cold, winter weather. You do not perspire as much during the wintertime, and perspiration is one of the things that helps keep your skin from drying out. In wintertime, you must take extra care to hydrate and revitalize your skin to keep it from drying out.

Dry skin can lead to a multitude of problems, with acne and rashes being the most common. Dry skin has invisible cracks for bacteria to multiply in and cause acne. Flaking skin can clog your pores, and skin dryness is a factor in eczema. Dry skin does not cause eczema, but it certainly exacerbates the condition. And for those with fake tans, it can make your bronzed glow look blotchy and uneven, particularly around area such as your knees, elbows, toes and fingers.

So what can you do to keep your winter skin from drying and cracking? Luckily, it’s not that difficult. Use the following skin care tips to help keep your skin healthy and smooth.

Gently exfoliate your skin to remove old dead skin. This stimulates new skin to grow and improves circulation, which can renew your dull complexion. Always use a mild exfoliating agent that contains natural abrasives. Look at the ingredient list; it should contain items like fine oatmeal, ground rice, or seeds. Do not exfoliate more than three times a week, or you’ll reverse all your hard work.

Use warm water in the bath, not hot. Showering in ultra-hot water strips the oils from your skin. Don’t scrub your skin (especially your face and especially after exfoliation) when you towel-dry. Gently blot until the moisture is gone instead. Rubbing your skin roughly can cause irritation when you have just exfoliated.

Always use moisturizer after cleansing and toning your skin, as well as after bathing or exposure to the sun. You may want to use a heavier moisturizer on your winter skin; if you start to break out, go back to the lighter moisturizer you had been using. Apply sunscreen, even if you do not think you need it. UV damage occurs even during the grey days of winter, so slather on at least a SPF 15. Many daily moisturizers and skin care products come with sunscreen already added for convenience.

Drink lots of water as it helps your skin stay plump, moist, and beautiful in the cold winter weather. You stress your skin going from the cold outdoors to the super-heated, dry air of indoors, and drinking plenty of water will help keep your skin from showing the effects. You will essentially repair your skin from the inside out by staying sufficiently hydrated.

Winter skin needn’t be dry skin; with a little skin care, it will stay moist, plump, and hydrated all winter long.