Holiday cheer, cozy sweaters, and snowfalls are definitely a few reasons to adore the winter season. However, it is not all rainbows and lilies. Freezing temperatures, shorter days, and cold winds not only affect your mood but can also affect your skin’s health.
According to dermatologists, cold and dry air can trigger several skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis. With low temperature and humidity levels, the season ends up stealing your skin’s moisture, leaving it dry and itchy. You may even experience flaky patches, redness, and inflammation.
And now that the summer season is right around the corner, it is time to do some damage control and ensure good health for your skin. Follow along to learn some beauty tips to combat winter skin blues.
- Hydrate your skin
Tempting as they may be, but hot showers and constant use of room heaters can dehydrate your skin. Dermatologists confirm that dry skin lacks oil which negatively impacts your skin barrier function. This, in turn, causes irritation, leaving visible dry patches on your skin. And that’s definitely not going to compliment your summer outfits.
So, here are some tips that can help hydrate your skin and restore its natural glow.
- Use a humidifier: Investing in a warm/cool-mist humidifier can help counter the aftermath of cold temperatures and heaters. This can help in introducing moisture back into your surroundings, eventually calming your skin. So, make sure you change the water and clean your humidifier regularly to keep bacteria from thriving.
- Refrain from over-cleansing your skin: Ideally, it is recommended to clean your skin once in the morning and once before going to bed. It helps in removing all the dust particles and pollutants, keeping your pores from getting clogged. But over-cleansing can strip your skin of its natural microbiome and moisturizing barrier agents. So, make sure you stick to the recommended skin cleansing routine. And even if you have to cleanse your face more than twice a day, make sure you use a moisturizer right away to compensate for the lost hydration.
- Use good quality moisturizer: One of the best ways to restore hydration is to build a natural skin care routine with good quality products. And moisturizer has to be an integral part of it. Using a moisturizer with essential ingredients such as aloe vera, sunflower oil, avocado oil, and hyaluronic acid can ensure effective results. Also, make sure that you apply moisturizer after a gentle pat-drying to lock the skin moisture. Additionally, it is also advised to use a heavy moisturizer before going to bed to support the skin barrier and prevent evaporation.
- Rethink your food habits: Believe it or not, your food habits also determine the hydration levels in your skin. Unhealthy foods can deteriorate the quality of your skin’s moisture barrier, promoting dryness and breakouts. So, make sure you add omega 3-rich foods such as flax walnuts, safflower oil, salmon, and halibut to your diet. Also, swap alcohol and caffeine with tea and water to stay hydrated from the inside.
- Stock up on sunscreen
You’ll be surprised to know that many people avoid using sunscreen during the winter season. And that’s no good. The sun’s harmful UV rays can still damage your skin even if you are not getting burned. It is wise to know that a SPF product is essential regardless of the weather.
And now that you are all set for the summer season know that the sun damage is going to wreak havoc on your skin’s health. Prolonged exposure to harmful UV rays of the sun is also responsible for 90% of visible aging signs and promotes premature aging. Some things that you can experience are such fine lines, wrinkles, and many more. Not to mention, it can also elevate your risk of skin cancer.
So, avoid that by using sunscreen with SPF 30 or more as soon as possible to prevent further damage and protect your skin from the harmful ultraviolet rays of the sun.
- Don’t forget to exfoliate
Many people tend to skimp on exfoliation during their winter skincare routine. Cold and damp winds can cause dead skin cells to accumulate on your skin’s upper layer. These dead skin cells further prevent your skin from breathing, making it look dull and itchy.
That’s why dermatologists recommend exfoliating your skin when seasons change, particularly at the end of winters. However, the frigid temperatures can make your skin more sensitive than ever. Know that using gentle products and exfoliating methods is the key to having softer and smoother skin at the end of the winter months. Since feet, elbows, ankles, and knees are the most neglected body parts during the winter months, make sure to pay adequate attention to them as well.
You can also opt for a fine grain scrub to protect your skin’s hydrolipidic film. Apply the product using wide circular movements. Exfoliating your skin at least once a month can help you welcome the summer season with soft and glowing skin.
- Catch up on your beauty sleep
SAD or seasonal affective disorder is one of the common mental issues faced by people during the winter season. It can affect your mood as well as sleep. And it goes without saying that a good night’s sleep is integral for healthy skin as it allows your skin to breathe while kick-starting the healing process.
So, now that you are about to enter the summer season, make sure you find ways to catch up on your beauty sleep. For this, it would be best that you train yourself to sleep on your back instead of sides. Pressing your body against the sheets, pillows, and blankets can lose skin elasticity, promote premature aging, and worsen wrinkles.
In order to get some effective good night’s sleep, you can also opt for soothing therapies such as aromatherapy and mindful meditation. This way, you can get rid of all the negative feelings, allowing your mind to stay calm while sleeping.
That’s a wrap
With changing seasons and rising temperatures, it is important that you adhere to your skin’s needs. So, use the summer beauty tips mentioned above and combat your winter blues in the right way.
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