This is a time of year when many people will be pulling out their sweaters and scarves. What many folks don’t realize, though, is that your skin will also need some changes to keep it looking its best during the winter months. Cold weather outside and dry, heated air inside, can strip away your skin’s natural moisture, making it dull, tight, and flaky. Although your winter skincare products may help to improve the appearance of your skin, the real secret to glowing skin during the winter months is your daily habits. Let’s go through some simple habit hacks that will keep your skin healthy, glowing, and looking great as the temperature drops.

Hydration Begins on the Inside

Here’s the thing, when you’re cold, you tend to feel less thirsty than usual, but your skin still needs water to stay hydrated. The result of not drinking enough water is dry and dull looking skin. Therefore, remember to continue drinking water during the day. Herbal teas and warm water with lemon are also good options for hydration.

Habit Hack: Set hourly reminders on your phone to step away from what you’re doing and take a few sips of water throughout the day. Get creative with it by adding fruit like cucumbers, mint, or berries to your water.

Selecting the appropriate cleanser

Many people continue to use their summer face wash throughout the winter season; however, this is a common error.

Using the best face wash for dry winter skin may significantly improve the overall appearance of the face. Look for face washes that include ingredients such as glycerin, green tea, and/or hyaluronic acid. face washes containing alcohol or sulfates will leave a tight feeling on the skin.

Goal Hack: The habit of washing your face twice a day can protect your skin from excessive dryness. By washing your face in the morning and at night, this habit can result in an accumulation of skin protective elements that help to minimize skin dryness.

Moisturizers are Essential

While your skin may feel fine after the cleansing step, it is most likely dehydrated. Applying a moisturizer after washing will help to keep the moisture you add during the cleansing process in place, and strengthen your skin barrier to help the skin remain soft and supple.

In the wintertime, the best cream for glowing skin in winter should be somewhat heavy, but not greasy. Look for moisturizing creams containing ceramides, hyaluronic acid, or allantoin as they will help to restore lost moisture to the skin and create a barrier to prevent further moisture loss due to exposure to low temperatures/air.

Don't Forget Sunscreen

While it is common for some people to forget about sunscreen in the winter months due to the misconception that the weaker effects of sunlight in the winter months won't harm the skin, UV rays can still penetrate through clouds and the reflection off of snow can increase your skin's exposure to UV light by as much as 80%, so the higher the reflection, the greater the risk.

Switching to a hydrating sunscreen will not only provide sun protection, but also provide nourishment to dry skin. Use a hydrating sunscreen that contains glycerin and/or aloe vera to keep the skin from feeling chalky, and instead be smooth on the skin.

Habit Hack: Keep your sunscreen near your toothbrush or in front of a mirror so you can see it and use it daily, even when it is cloudy and rainy.

Sleep is the Best Skin Restorer

Your skin repairs itself when you sleep. The repair process for your skin is at its peak during the winter months when dryness and dullness are common, so a good night's sleep should be an absolute priority for you. Try to aim for quality sleep of at least 7 to 8 hours each night to maintain your skin's healthy appearance.

Habit Hack: Develop a calming ritual that includes avoiding screens one hour before going to bed; drinking warm water; and using silk pillowcases to help reduce the friction on your skin. You will wake up with a softer, more radiant complexion.

Your Diet Affects Your Skin

The food you eat can reflect on the outside of your body, so eat foods high in vitamins and antioxidants that will benefit your skin. During winter months, there is an abundance of fresh produce available for purchase and eating; vegetables such as carrots and spinach; sweet potatoes; fruits such as oranges, lemons, and limes.

Including foods high in Omega-3 fatty acids (flax seeds; walnuts; oily fish) will help to strengthen your skin barrier and reduce the amount of dryness you may experience.

Habit Hack: Make it a habit to include at least one skin-friendly food at each meal, e.g., a few slices of orange at breakfast or a salad with olive oil dressing at lunch. Taking small steps can lead to long-term changes.

Don't Take Long Hot Showers

Many of us like to take long hot showers, especially on a cold winter morning. While steaming water may feel good on the outside, it could damage your skin's natural oils and create a more dry and itchy condition.

Habit Hack: Use warm (rather than hot) water when showering and limit your time in the shower to no longer than 10 minutes. After your shower, apply a quality body lotion or cream to seal in the moisture.

Manage your Stress

Cold temperatures, busy lifestyles and lack of sunlight are all ways to stress out your body and create problems for your skin. Stress causes the body to produce cortisol which can lead to blemishes and dull skin.

Tip for Managing Stress: Try easy methods of relaxation such as taking a few deep breaths or going for a short walk outside. A relaxed mind allows your skin to stay healthy and glowing.

Moisturize with Different Products

Layering moisturizers can help keep your skin hydrated just as layering clothing keeps you warm. Start with a light weight hydrating serum, followed by a thicker moisturizer which will seal in all the moisture.

Gently Remove Dead Skin Cells

If you live in an area where the weather is cold and dry, you may experience dry flaky skin. Though your skin may require regular exfoliation, excessive use can exacerbate the condition. An exfoliant that is mild in composition should be used one or two times a week as a means of sloughing dead skin away. Doing so will create an opportunity for your moisturizer to work more effectively.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. How often should I moisturize my skin during the winter?
Moisturize at least twice daily—morning and evening. If your skin feels dry or tight during the day, apply a lightweight moisturizer.

Q2. Is it okay to skip sunscreen if I'm inside during the winter months?
No, because UV rays penetrate through any glass, it is critical to apply a hydrating sunscreen every day.

Q3. When is the best time to apply a moisturizing product to achieve maximum glow?
Immediately following facial cleansing or showering, while the skin is still damp. Moisturizing at that time will help to hold moisture in the skin and not let it dry out.

Q4. What are the best ingredients to look for in a moisturizing product when looking for glowing skin during the winter?
Great ingredients for restoring skin glow and moisture content are ceramides, hyaluronic acid, Shea Butter, and vitamin E.

Q5. Why does my skin still feel tight after using a good face wash?
You may be using a face wash that is too harsh for winter. Switch to a gentle, moisturizing face wash designed specifically for dry winter skin.

Disclaimer

The blog is solely for educational purposes and is not intended to be a substitute for professional skincare advice. All individuals have different kinds of skin, and therefore, products or routine habits that may work well for one individual may not work the same way for another. Always consult your physician regarding persistent dryness, irritation, or other skin issues, before making any changes to your skin care product(s) or regimen.

Conclusion

Just because it is winter it doesn't mean your skin will have to look or feel dull or lifeless. You can keep your skin looking and feeling bright, hydrated, and healthy throughout this season with the proper routine habits. Please keep in mind that it is not only about the type of products you use but rather how often and diligently you use these products when making positive changes to your skin's appearance and feel in winter. Implementing just a few of these simple daily habits will dramatically enhance your skin's overall look and feel in the winter months.