Winter skincare is essential because the temperature at this time of the year leaves our skin dull, flaky and itchy. For most people, their skin becomes scaly, while others are left with dry and dull skin. However, it is possible to maintain healthy skin and also have a glow during winter skincare. There are certain skincare habits to drop and also new ones to adopt at this time of the year. While it is cold outside, this does not mean you have to stop wearing sunscreen. This and many more are the reasons why you have dull and flaky skin during the winter season.
Why is skin care important in the winter?
If you think skincare isn’t essential during the winter, it is time to change your thoughts! The winter season comes with a prolonged cold which can cause triggers or other skin concerns. While it is essential to change your skin care products to oil-based products during the winter, you can also stay consistent with your existing routine and get equivalent benefits. Most people break out more during the winter because the body produces more sebum to help retain natural moisture. Winter skincare is important to the overall health of our skin.
Here are some habits to adopt for glowing and healthy skin this winter.
Winter Skincare Do’s: Cleanse, Moisturize, Protect for Healthy Radiance
1. Use a cleanser: A cleanser is an essential part of your skincare routine. During the winter, it is advisable to use an oil-based cleanser as it will help to retain moisture in the skin. The cleanser helps to remove impurities from the pores and also unclog their pores. Always ensure that the cleanser you choose is alcohol-free. Before you proceed to add a skin cleanser to your cart, always make sure you know your skin type. There are natural body cleanseroptions that smell nice and will not strip your skin of its natural moisture.
2. Shower with lukewarm water: There are better skin benefits when you shower with lukewarm water during the winter season. Avoid taking long hot baths, as they can strip your skin of its natural oil. By taking a shower with lukewarm water, you boost blood circulation in the skin. The perfect lukewarm water is neither too hot nor too cold. Lukewarm water reduces redness and puffiness on the skin. It tightens the pores and is ideal for the winter.
3. Moisturise regularly: What better time to be consistent with your moisturising game than during the winter? The air during the winter is drying and leaves the skin itchy and flaky. It is best to use body butter in winter because it is cream based. Shea butter, avocado butter, mango butter etc., will hydrate your skin and leave you with a soothing smell. Using coconut or jojoba oil on the skin during the winter can clog the pores and lead to an acne breakout—moisture when the skin is still damp. It is best to moisturise after your morning and nighttime shower.
4. Exfoliate once or twice a week: The number of times you exfoliate your skin depends on your skin type. For people with sensitive skin, it is advisable to exfoliate once a week. Other skin types can exfoliate twice a week. Ensure you use a skin-friendly exfoliator. By exfoliating, you get rid of dead skin cells. It also helps to unclog pores and allows your skin to take in all the healthy benefits of other skincare products. Exfoliation will also help to brighten the skin and offer loads of benefits to your skin this winter.
5. Ensure to cover your hands: The air outside is cold, and it’s only right that you keep away from the frost with gloves. Did you know that the skin on the hand is thinner than other parts of the body? It is easy for it to dry out. It is best to use hand creams and keep your hands protected by a glove. The hand cream will keep your hands nourished, hydrated and healthy. You can use any of our body butter options as a hand cream.
6. Invest in a humidifier: The winter keeps the air dry, and this affects our skin negatively. It is better to use a humidifier than a heater during the winter season. Humidifiers add extra moisture to the air, which does not leave the skin dry, dull or itchy. The winter season is the right time to invest in humidifiers to help disperse moisture in your home.
7. Use a sunscreen: When our skin has direct exposure to the sun, it causes more damage than we can imagine. The only time you shouldn’t use sunscreen is during your nighttime routine. Ensure you stay sun safe during the winter season.
Winter Skincare Don’ts: Avoid Overspending, Hot Baths, Wrong Fabrics, Under Sleep
1. Overspending on skincare products: It is more beneficial to add only a moisturising cream to your existing skincare products during the winter. You don’t have to break the bank to buy new products this season.
2. Soaking in a hot tub: It’s freezing cold outside, and all you can imagine is taking a long hot bath. It will strip your skin of natural oils and lead to inflammation. Take a lukewarm shower for 10 minutes and moisturise your body immediately after.
3. Wearing cotton or fiber materials: Now is not the best time to wear your blend cotton, synthetic or fiber pajamas. It is best to wear soft fabrics as they will be more soothing for the cold winter nights.
4. Under Sleep: It will only lead to dark circles and cause you to over ingest caffeinated drinks during the day. This can dehydrate the skin. It is best to get enough sleep and drink as much water as possible during this winter.
By following this list of do’s and don’ts, you will have naturally glowing and healthy skin this winter. Remember to be patient with your skin, exercise and eat healthy meals (leafy vegetables and fruits). Avoid DIY skin care routines. It is also advisable to avoid products that contain sulfates as it can be drying to the skin.