We all know that winter can be incredibly harsh on your skin, making it dry and flaky while also leaving you susceptible to infections. This is especially important when you live in a city with harsh winters. Cold, dry air can cause our facial skin to become dry and irritated — especially if we don’t always make sure we’re wearing a hat or scarf when going out in cold weather. Protecting our faces from harsh winds and extreme temperatures is crucial in maintaining smooth, blemish-free skin during wintertime.
If you’re wondering how to take care of your skin properly this winter, here are some ways to keep your skin healthy this winter:
Use Oils
Winter weather can be brutal, but it’s not just bitter temperatures that cause dry skin. During colder months, some of us may find that our face starts feeling tight or even cracking after washing our face with a cleanser and water. If you experience dryness after cleansing, consider adding an oil-based moisturizer into your daily routine. You can use a facial oil alone, over a serum, or under a cream moisturizer depending on how dry you are.
Eat Food Rich in Omega-3 Fats
Omega-3s have been shown to help protect against colds, flu, and even some types of cancer. They’re a natural anti-inflammatory and can help ease a dry cough. And omega-3s are also thought to have anti-aging properties as well as protective effects against heart disease and cancer. Look for foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, such as wild salmon, trout, walnuts, flax seeds, chia seeds, and olive oil.
Stay Active
Winter is a great time for hibernation, but if you want to make sure you’re taking care of your skin year-round, it’s important to stay active. Winter temperatures can wreak havoc on our complexions—from chapped lips and dry cheeks to cold sores and flaky scalps.
If you’re headed outside with your sled or snowboard, consider bringing along sunscreen and protecting yourself with ski masks or face gear. And even if you’re trapped indoors, aim to stay active while still staying cozy—whether that means hitting up an indoor climbing gym or just bundling up for a power walk around town.
Try Antioxidants
Antioxidants are great because they can help prevent cellular damage caused by free radicals, which are unstable molecules that are formed by pollution, processed foods, and sunlight. Free radicals have been shown to play a role in aging, cancer, and arthritis. Antioxidants contain Vitamin C and alpha-lipoic acid, which both help inhibit the production of free radicals while also boosting collagen production for healthy cells.
If you want healthier-looking skin, antioxidants may be a good bet. Consider taking vitamin C supplements or applying an antioxidant cream directly to problem areas such as wrinkles, age spots, or sunburns. But remember: overuse can lead to side effects such as diarrhea or nausea so take care when using these products.
Sleep Well
Sleep deprivation is extremely common in today’s society, but it should be avoided at all costs. Your body needs sleep in order to function properly, and not getting enough can wreak havoc on your physical health. It’s also crucial for brain health; if you’re sleep-deprived, you won’t feel sharp or able to think clearly.
Get Used to Hot Showers
Cold showers may sound appealing, but a long hot shower is better for your skin. Hot water opens up pores and cleanses them thoroughly, while cold water can make pores contract and clog more easily. Consider alternating between hot and cold if you’re trying to balance hydration with dryness.
A warm-to-cool pattern is often recommended for oily or acne-prone skin types, while hot-to-cold works best for sensitive or thinning hair. Broken shower? Be sure to check your system before the winter comes, and hire a professional water heater repair service if needed. Buying a new one is an option but it’s best to get it repaired to save extra costs,
And stay away from harsh soaps — stick to natural cleansers instead. It’s also important not to wash too frequently. Everyday washing dries out skin over time, so try cleansing once or twice a day at most.
Have a Skincare Routine
Skincare routines are all about consistency. You wouldn’t start exercising without following a proper workout routine, so it shouldn’t be any different for skincare. Make sure you wash your face, moisturize, exfoliate, and even use sunscreen every day. The more consistent you are with good habits, the better off you’ll be in protecting yourself from skin damage in cold weather. Just don’t forget SPF!
It is easy to slack off with our bodies in winter; we spend more time indoors, and we cover up with long sleeves and boots. However, if you let yourself get lax about caring for your skin, you’ll end up getting sick and looking dry more often.
