Winter is fast approaching, and it’s time to bring out your sweaters and coats, mittens and boots. To be honest, I find this season really exciting because of the holiday spirit – people gather together, buy gifts, eat and feast and of course, go shopping too! With all these things going around, there is one thing that’s not worth celebrating over, and that is winter skin.
#1 Invest in quality moisturizers
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Your skin will feel tight and dry during the upcoming winter months, so it’s best to switch from the usual trusted moisturizers that you use during summer and spring.
You should choose a product that will effectively moisturize your skin, but it has to be the type of moisturizer that doesn’t make you break out. Narrow your search down from hundreds of potentials. If you have dry skin, try to use moisturizers that are oil-based, since oils and lipids are effective in creating a protective barrier on your skin to prevent water from getting lost in the winter air. Oil-based moisturizers also contain ‘non-clogging’ ingredients such as mineral oil, almond oil or avocado oil.
To absorb more moisture in your body, you can also try to look for humectants, which contains sorbitol, glycerine or alpha-hydroxy acids, which are successful in locking in moisture in your skin. However, if you have oily skin to begin with, then you should consider a water-based moisturizer. It works just as well, without adding more sebum to your skin.
#2 Keep your shower-time short
It’s tempting to turn up the water thermostat way up when taking a shower to take a break from the cold. While it may be comforting at the moment; it creates an adverse effect on your skin. Hot showers, especially those done too long, can strip your skin off of the essential lipids and water that keep it supple and moisturized. In order to prevent your skin from turning of that to a prune (which is a signal that your skin’s natural oil levels are way too low), you should cut your shower time to no more than ten minutes, and try to use lukewarm water instead of a hot blast from the shower.
#3 Eat right
Where the weather is cold, it’s easy to fall into the comforting trap of sugary hot chocolate or coffee – and too much sugar can lead to excess spots. Sugar is a main stimulant of the sebaceous glands, the glands responsible for too much oil. Sweets also stimulate androgen production in women, which also adds to your spotty problem. In order to avoid oil spots, try eating food rich in vitamin E and collagen, such as avocado, blueberries and mangoes.
#4 Choose the right kind of cleanser
Scrubs and other harsh cleansers may strip away the essential oils and lipids in your skin, making it more prone to developing pimples and other skin problems. In the winter, it’s essential to keep the oils and moisture locked in your skin, so you should avoid the harsh cleansers and over-cleansing your face. Choose milder formulas, such as those cleansers for oily/combination skin. Wash your face twice daily, once in the morning and once at night.
#5 Don’t forget sunscreen
Sunscreen isn’t only needed for summer days. Ultraviolet rays don’t vanish the moment the weather turns cold. In fact, you should use sunscreen with higher SPF and reapply more often if it’s snowing out. Snow is the best reflector of ultraviolet light, so you’re twice at risk in exposing your skin to UV light.
