ALL ABOUT SKIN HYDRATION FOR COLDER MONTHS

We all notice how our skin changes with the changing seasons. In summers, we struggle with excess oil, open pores while winters tend to make our skin drier. Cold air, low levels of humidity, and indoor heat do not work in our favor. As a result, the skin on our face and bodies tend to look less radiant and flaky. It doesn’t have to be this way.

There are steps you can take to bump up the hydration quotient of your skin. But before we get to the skin hydration tips, it is important to identify whether your skin is dry or not.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS THAT INDICATE DRYNESS

Some of the most common signs and symptoms of dry skin include:

• Flakiness
• Redness
• Rough skin texture
• Itchiness
• Cracking skin

PREVENTING DRY SKIN IN WINTER MONTHS

Here are a few tips that will keep your skin moisturized during the colder months:

MOISTURIZE AFTER WASHING YOUR FACE

Washing your face will strip it of natural oils and make it even drier. The first thing you need to do after washing your face is to immediately apply a moisturizer. Use one as per your skin type. Make sure your moisturizer is designed to hydrate the deeper layers of the skin. Anything with hyaluronic acid is great.

If you have sensitive skin, try using fragrance-free products. Other great ingredients to look out for are squalene, vitamin E, and jojoba oil.

USE SUNSCREEN EVERYDAY

It is quite tempting to skip the sunscreen during colder months. However, the sun can damage your skin even further and strip its natural moisture barrier. You need sun protection on the dark, gloomy winter days as well. You can choose a moisturizer that has sunscreen or apply it separately. Use SPF 30 or above.

OVERNIGHT MASKS AND CREAMS

Using overnight creams/masks is one of the best ways to treat dry skin. Emollients work wonders and take some time to get absorbed in the skin. That is why it is best to use them prior to sleeping. You can consult your dermatologist and select an overnight cream/mask as per your skin concerns.

Do not neglect your hands and feet in the process.

ALTER YOUR CURRENT SKINCARE ROUTINE

For most of us, our skin starts to behave differently during the colder months. Hence, your usual skincare routine won’t work in your favor. It might be time to simplify your routine a bit to prevent skin irritation. Staying clear of fragrance and alcohol is probably the best thing you can do for your skin.

Keep it simple. Stick to a face wash, moisturizer, a hydrating serum, and an overnight mask. Stick to your routine and you will surely see a difference in your skin.

USE A HUMIDIFIER AT HOME

In winters, we don’t have a lot of humidity in the air that can worsen the quality of our skin. Moreover, indoor heating can extract moisture from your skin. Use a humidifier at home to add moisture to the air. You will be surprised by how much this single step will improve your skin.

It also might be a great idea to look into an air purifier as well, just to be sure you have continuous clean air at home.

DIAL DOWN THE TEMPERATURE

A hot water bath or shower seems quite tempting at the end of a long winter day. However, it can damage your skin and make it incredibly dry. Sticking to lukewarm water instead of piping hot water will benefit your skin. After you are done washing your body, pat dry your skin with a towel and use a good quality moisturizer on top.

USE EXFOLIANTS/SCRUBS WITH CAUTION

Exfoliation can help get rid of dead skin cells and make your skin fresh and glowing. However, overdoing it in the winter months can strip away the natural oils from your skin. In winter, opt for a chemical exfoliator instead of a physical one as it eliminates the dead skin cells without irritating your skin.

Avoid exfoliating your skin more than once a week.

OCCLUSIVES WORK WONDERS

If your skin is extremely dry and emollients are not doing enough, then it’s time to give occlusives a go. Opt for ingredients like shea butter, cocoa butter, rosehip oil, jojoba oil, and petroleum jelly. Don’t overdo the occlusive and apply them only during the nighttime.

If your skin is prone to acne, you might want to skip this step.

HYDRATE FROM WITHIN

No amount of external moisture will impact your skin unless you hydrate your body from within. Aim at drinking 8 to 10 glasses of water a day, eat healthy fats, antioxidants, and a protein-rich diet. A healthy diet will drastically impact the quality of your skin.

Nuts, white meat, fish, fruits, and veggies will all work wonders for your health and skin.

OPT FOR HYDRATING FACIALS

Another amazing way to hydrate your skin and achieve a lasting effect is going for a hydrating facial. It is important to go to a professional aesthetician or dermatologist and get a treatment recommended. Getting a treatment once every few months will make your skin soft and supple.

WEAR THE RIGHT FABRICS

If a particular sweater or a jumper makes your skin itchy and red, it’s time to ditch it. Opt for natural, non-irritating fabrics. Take your time in selecting the right clothing options as you don’t want to be scratching yourself all day long.

Stick to cotton as your first layer and then layer fabrics like wool on top.

SLUGGING ACTUALLY WORKS

At night once you are done with all your skincare, take a pea-sized amount of petroleum jelly and apply it all over your face and neck. This technique is known as slugging and will retain the moisture in your skin. You can also use it all over your hands and feet.

If your feet feel extremely dry, you can always wear socks on top.

FINAL TAKEAWAY

We hope you found these skin hydration tips helpful. Make sure you follow all of them and you will see your skin transform in no time. If dryness persists, it is time to visit a dermatologist and get the products/treatment that suit your skin.