6 tips for healthier looking skin all winter long
Tags: Health, Healthcare, Winter, Skincare, Wellness

Winter, with its cold temperatures and harsh winds, is not the time of year where skin usually shines. Cold, dry air saps moisture from your skin, which can leave it flaky and ashy, and your hands and face red and chapped. Blasting the heat indoors, as comforting as it is after a day in chilly air, also does more to dry out your skin and exacerbate the skin issues you may be facing. To keep these cold months from doing a number on your skin, follow these 6 easy tips to keep it moisturized and healthy all winter long.

Turn down the water temperature.

It may be tempting to jump into a steaming hot shower after getting in from the cold, , but you may want to turn down the temperature; it’s beneficial to use warm water instead. Hot water breaks down the lipid barriers of the skin, and strips the skin of its natural oils. Does your skin look red after your shower? That may be an indication you need to cool it down a bit.

Ditch deodorant soaps or strongly scented soaps.

Chemicals and harsh fragrances in scented or deodorant soaps can irritate your skin and strip away moisture. They can also lead to noticeable drying and flakiness, an unwanted outcome especially if your winter skin is already sensitive and dry. Opt instead for a fragrance-free soap made for sensitive skin to ensure you are avoiding any possible irritation.

Don’t forget to exfoliate.

Dead skin cells can build up on the skin, making skin appear dry and dull. When you moisturize, this build-up also makes it harder for the moisture to permeate the skin and do its job. Make exfoliating once a week a regular part of your shower routine, as it clears away buildup of dry and dead skin and allows for the moisturizer you use to absorb deeply into skin and aid in repair. You don’t have to shell out a lot of money on an expensive product to achieve results; simple sugar scrubs are easy to make at home.

Moisturize immediately after you shower.

We know that all you want to do after your warm shower is get into your PJs or clothes as fast as humanly possible, but it’s important to moisturize immediately. After you get out of the shower, hot water quickly evaporates off the skin, leaving it skin dry. Moisturizing immediately after your shower traps some water in your skin, further helping your skin to become healthier, softer, and smoother.

Focus on eating foods great for your skin health.

This winter, make sure you’re properly nourishing your skin from the inside out. Load up on foods high in vitamin C, such as grapefruit, butternut squash, and broccoli, which plays a vital role in the synthesis of collagen (the protein that maintains elasticity and firmness of the skin.) Eat foods high in antioxidants, such as pomegranates and artichoke hearts, which help repair cell damage. And finally, load up on omega 3s, which are rich in foods such as salmon, walnuts, and flax seeds. Omega-3s decrease inflammation, and lead to smoother, younger looking skin.

See a specialist.

Need some more personalized advice on exactly what you should use to help your skin this winter? A specialist can give you the recommendations you need. Our specialists are always available to you, 24/7, to give you any advice you seek. Just click here to consult with one today.

Author: Maggie Harriman