Like the new year, winter has only just begun. Fortunately, if the cold air is wreaking havoc on your skin, finding relief is possible. Try these simple tips to replenish your complexion so you can take on the rest of the season with a healthy, dewy glow.
1. Keep your skin thoroughly moisturized.
While this one may seem straightforward, it is especially important in the winter because cold air tends to draw moisture away from the skin. Combat dull, dry skin by nourishing your body from head to toe — that means applying lip balm, hand cream, and body lotion regularly, and, of course, face moisturizer twice daily.
2. Take cooler, shorter showers.
Just as dry air strips the skin of its moisture, hot showers do the same. Though it may be tempting to turn up the heat to thaw out from the cold, keeping the water temperature lower is exponentially more beneficial for your skin. Oh, and while you’re at it, shorten your showers to help prevent any further moisture loss.
3. Use a humidifier.
Since cold air is naturally dryer, replenishing the moisture in your home with a humidifier can work wonders for your skin. After all, higher humidity means dewier everything, so you’ll be one step closer to a healthy, hydrated complexion.
4. Drink plenty of water.
On top of staying moisturized on the outside, it’s essential to hydrate from within. Drink adequate amounts of water each day, which — as you’ve likely heard — should be approximately 8 cups a day (each cup should be 8 ounces). Since every body is different, though, you may require more or less depending on your age, gender, size, fitness level, and general health. For more specifics, visit Harvard’s Nutrition Source.
5. Dress properly for the weather.
No matter where you live, dressing properly to step outside is key to ensuring your indoor efforts for happy, hydrated skin aren’t for naught. Keep yourself protected from the moisture-zapping air by covering up exposed skin — in colder climates, that means wearing hats, scarves, gloves, socks, and the like.
