Table of Contents
Soaps and cleansers
Regular soaps and hand sanitizes can damage your skin in winter season, try to use creamy non-foaming mild and hydrating cleansers that won’t take the moisture out of your skin.
Keep your showers to 10 minutes tops and avoid hot, steamy showers. Long and hot showers can actually make your skin dry out by removing your natural skin oils.
Moisturizers
Remember to moisturize regularly and make sure to look for those that include hyaluronic acid and glycerin. It is preferable to do so immediately after your shower unto damp skin. This way, your skin will always be radiant and healthy. Look for products that include hydrating ingredients like chamomile, jojoba and lavender. Avoid at all costs anti-aging creams or skin lightening products, this will only make your skin more chapped and damaged in the long run.
Exfoliation
TLC might have that wrong, we do want to “scrub”, just don’t overstep it. Start by softening parts of your body that tend to roughen faster like your lips, hands, face and feet. Do it gently so that moisturizers and hydrating soaps can actually do their magic without scratching your skin. Once a week exfoliation will avoid your skin looking like you’re about to hang out with your best friend “the boa Constrictor” and shed skins together.
Sunscreen
We all miss the sun in cold months, but soaking up on it is not recommended, unless you are wearing the appropriate protection. Ultraviolet rays don’t disappear in winter, so be sure to use it every single day. A recent study found that Melanoma and Merkel cell carcinoma are more common on the side of the body most exposed to ultraviolet lights when driving. Be sure to apply it at least 30 minutes before going outdoors and re-apply according to its SP Factor. Zinc oxide or titanium dioxide are other options to use on exposed areas when you’re out and about.
Diet
Hydrate from the inside out. You may not feel the need to drink as much water as in summer, but remember you can also dehydrate in winter. Always remember to drink more than eight glasses of water throughout the day. Make it more interesting by adding slices of lemon or cucumber to add a little taste to it. Include foods that have high water content such as watermelons, cantaloupes, oranges, kiwi, apples, celery, tomatoes, cucumbers, carrots and zucchini. Omega-3 fatty foods like tuna, salmon and herrig will keep your skin strong to protect it against the harsh weather. Oranges, lemons, guava, papayas, broccoli and strawberries contain vitamin C, will keep your skin full of collagen and elastin which helps with healing and cicatrization process.
Cover Up
Last but not least, cover yourself in multi layers such as soft cotton t-shirts to provide yourself a barrier over other garments that keep you warm but are rather scratchy such as a wool sweater or synthetic fabric. Cover your neck in a soft scarf avoiding synthetic and irritative material to keep your whole body warm and don’t forget to wear gloves and appropriate soft and warm socks.
