Winter can be a wonderful time of year. Wrapping yourself up in layers as you step outside to get some fresh air, the possibility of snow and sitting inside wrapped in blankets are all qualities about the wintertime love.
However, something that does not love the winter is our skin. The cold winter weather can harm our skin. The drier air draws out the moisture from our skin, causing it to dry out, peel and even crack.
On the exceptionally cold winter days, we prefer to stay inside instead of going outside. We may turn the heating on or take long hot baths or showers to warm ourselves up. Whilst this might make us feel warm and cosy, it also contributes to our skin losing moisture and drying out.
As the temperatures continue to drop, consider these tips for keeping your skin healthy and hydrated as we combat the winter months.
Remain Hydrated
One of the best ways to protect your skin is by drinking plenty of water. Understandably, the sound of a cold glass of water on a winter’s day does not sound the most appealing. The wintertime is when you want to be cuddled up by the fire with your favourite hot beverage. If the sound of a glass of water is unappealing, try hot water with a slice of lemon.
Alternatively, you could drink a detoxifying herbal tea to keep you warm. Both are great alternatives to drinking hot chocolates or coffees, as they keep you hydrated. Most of all, they help you to feel warm on a cold day.
Ensure You Moisturise Thoroughly
Moisturising thoroughly throughout winter is essential. However, this does not mean thicker creams will work better. Light moisturisers are equally as effective as ones with a thicker consistency. The key factor is the ingredients included. Before applying a moisturiser, check to see the ingredients. Hyaluronic or lactic acid is perfect for keeping your skin feeling hydrated and nourished.
Try to avoid ingredients such as glycolic or salicylic acid, especially in your cleansers. These are drying ingredients that will further dehydrate your skin. If you find these ingredients in your cleansers, look at switching your cleanser to a more hydrating one. Your skin will appreciate you as it will not be as dehydrated as before.
CBD Can Help With Dryness
CBD has become a popular buzzword in recent years. It is featured in a variety of products. From edibles to haircare, bath soaks, body lotions, even e-liquids, CBD is a beloved ingredient by many. When it comes to skincare, CBD can have anti-inflammatory effects and can help to hydrate the skin.
There are body lotions infused with CBD or you can find a full spectrum CBD oil UK from online retailers such as The Good Level. Their products can help you to improve your skin quality and keep it hydrated through the cold months.
Keep Wearing Sunscreen
As the world of skincare continues to expand, a golden rule that almost every expert recommends is wearing sunscreen. Even on a cloudy, grey day, you should still be wearing sunscreen. Despite the weather being cold, sunscreen is still something you should be wearing throughout winter.
Harmful UVA rays are constantly beaming down. UVB rays are weaker, especially in the wintertime in the UK. Since the UVB rays are lower than usual, it is the reason why we do not burn during the colder months. However, UVA rays penetrate deeper skin layers, which causes damage to our skin cells. As such, it is essential to wear sunscreen throughout winter to prevent this from happening.
At the end of your morning skincare routine, ensure that you put sunscreen on. You may also want to reapply during the day too if you are going out for the day.
Don’t Forget Hands And Lips
The most noticeable parts of the body that get affected by the cold is our hands and lips. Both are increasingly more likely to dry out and crack. Apply moisturising hand cream and an equally nourishing lip balm to keep your hands and lips moisturised. In doing so, you can help yourself avoid the pain of chapped and flaky hands and lips.
The Bottom Line
If you find that these tips or alternative methods you use have not helped, consider speaking with a medical professional. You want to ensure that your skin remains healthy and looks like it in the colder months.
Taking care of yourself this winter includes looking after your skin. As such, you must update your skincare routine accordingly to keep your skin looking healthy and fresh. Find a method that works best for you and stick with it. With a little extra TLC this winter, you can enjoy glowing skin – despite the lack of sunshine.