“To appreciate the beauty of a snowflake, it is necessary to stand out in the cold.” True that!

Winter has its own charm. However, the cold air robs the natural oils from the skin, leaving it dry and itchy. It can even cause eczema, and psoriasis, if not taken care. That’s why it is needed to take more care of it in winters.

In this article below, we have listed 15 tips to follow to keep the skin super hydrated during the winter.

Lukewarm Water

It is very tempting to go for hot showers when the temperature is dipping in winters. However, for the love of the skin, please avoid them. Instead, it is recommended to use lukewarm water for shower and washing the face.

Hot showers dry the skin quickly, and if it is not moisturised immediately, skin can develop cracks and winter eczema. It is a must to apply a moisturiser that contains hyaluronic acid and ceramides immediately after a lukewarm shower. This will keep the moisture barrier intact and prevent dryness.

 Hydration

The air is drier in winter, either it is inside or outside the home. Moreover, as a result, water evaporates from the skin quickly. Hence, it is essential to keep the skin hydrated. An easy way to keep it hydrated is by drinking lots of water. Though one might not feel as thirsty during winters as the other seasons, it is still needed to maintain the regular water intake. A humidifier may also be installed to manage the moisture level inside the home. This will undoubtedly keep the skin hydrated.

Skin Care Products

Products that kept the skin happy during summers can make it worst during winters. That is why they need to be changed accordingly. The key to healthy and glowing winter skin is using mild skin care products.

Cleansers that contain moisturisers are best to avoid stripping the skin of its natural moisture barrier. For acne or breakouts, products containing ceramides, hyaluronic acid, hydration serums, and glycerin help in repairing the moisture barrier of the skin.

It is better to avoid masks and peels, astringent lotions, and any product that contains alcohol as they make the skin drier during winters.

Skin Protection

The skin needs to be protected from the cold wind, snow or rain if stepping out in winter. Wearing gloves and caps and applying sunscreen lotion can help a lot more than imagined. The warm sun rays feel pleasant, but the UV rays can damage the skin even in winters. A sunscreen with titanium dioxide or zinc oxide works best. Also, avoid going outside immediately after washing hands and face or after a shower. Let the skin to dry because damp skin tends to crack easily in the cold.

 Avoid Exfoliation

Exfoliating the skin helps in getting rid of dead cells. However, it is not recommended during winters because the skin barrier is already compromised due to the weather. Exfoliating the skin once a week is excellent to help to boost skin regeneration and more product absorption. Also, it would be best if the exfoliation is done depending upon the skin type. If the skin is very dehydrated, it is recommended to avoid exfoliating it thoroughly. If the skin is oily, once a week is excellent.

The Hands

The skin on hands has fewer oil glands and is thinner compared to the skin on other body parts. That is why moisture escapes from hands quickly, making them prone to cracks and itchiness. Applying moisturiser and wearing woollen gloves while going out may help to retain moisture and keep them hydrated.  For people who are allergic to wool, wearing thin cotton gloves under the woollen ones may help them.

The Feet

Glycerin-based creams and petroleum jelly are ideal for moisturising the feet. Also, it is good to exfoliate the skin on the feet occasionally. It will help them to absorb the moisturiser easily.

Wet Clothes

It is recommended not to wear wet clothes for long as this will irritate the skin further and cause itchiness. Walking and playing in the snow is fine, but make sure to remove the wet socks, pants, and gloves as soon as possible.

Avoid Allergens

Winter skin is extremely fragile, and exposure to allergens can trigger the symptoms to the worst. This is for people who have persistent skin issues like eczema and psoriasis. Many people are allergic to wool but cannot resist the temptation to wear their winter knits. For those, it is suggested to choose winter wear that is made from high-grade wool. If possible, go for winter wear made from cotton or synthetic wool or any other material to avoid allergic reactions.

Sunglasses

This is primarily for those who live where it snows heavily. The snow and sun glares may harm the skin around eyes and cause dark circles, fine lines, and patchy skin. Hence, it is suggested to wear a good quality UV protected sunglasses while stepping outside.

Natural Ingredients

Homemade skin care masks and face packs with natural ingredients protect the skin from chemical exposure. Ingredients like honey, jojoba oil, avocado oil, Aloe-Vera, and banana help in maintaining the moisture levels of the skin by preventing issues and keeps the skin glowing.

Caffeine and Alcohol

People may love to have a warm cup of coffee on a cold winter morning — alternatively, a glass of vodka on a cold evening. They are fine only if consumed in moderate amounts. It is better to avoid overconsumption of caffeine and alcoholic beverages during winter because they dehydrate the skin and make it dry and flaky.

A Daily Skin-Care Routine

An essential and straightforward skincare routine that anyone can follow is better to keep their skin hydrated during winters.

Cleanse the skin once or twice a day, preferably in the morning and before going to bed.

After washing the face in the morning, apply a light daily moisturiser to lock the moisture in. Moreover, at night, use a heavy moisturiser or overnight cream.

This should be done on damp skin because just-washed skin absorbs moisture better.

Diet

It is recommended to take care of diet because that is a prominent way to keep the skin nourished. For a good healthy glowing skin, eat a lot of seasonal fruits and veggies. Berries are excellent sources of vitamins and antioxidants that the skin needs to stay healthy during the cold weather. Moreover, strawberries, grapes, blueberries, raspberries, or cherries may also help to keep the skin fresh. Also, the hydration part is missing due to limited water intake, and it may be covered with fruits, veggies, and other food items such as soups, salads, juices, and milk. In this way, the body will get the nutrients and also meet its daily water requirement to keep the skin healthy and refreshing.

Exercise

During winters, the oil and sweat glands in the body and blood vessels constrict a bit. This makes it hard for the skin to keep itself healthy and glowing naturally. Exercise will pump up the heart rate, which in turn, pumps more blood to the skin. It also keeps the pores clear. Exercising makes sweat that flushes out all the toxins by cleaning the skin and keeping the internal organs healthy.