BY: KIZZY COURTNEY
With winter’s cold temperatures bearing down on us, it’s time to start thinking about our skin and re-evaluating our skincare regimens. In winter, it is essential to provide your skin with moisture and revamping your beauty routine with items that can tackle the issues that come with cooler, drier weather is important. Repeated exposures can result in more than just not looking your best, and without proper care, your skin can crack and flake. The winter is hard on your skin, cold weather, dry wind and bright sunlight all add up to one tough season. Your normal skincare regimen is not quite enough. Keep your skin and lips feeling and looking great by following these simple suggestions.
During winter, dead skin cells build up quickly on our skin, and the only way to get rid of them is to exfoliate. Exfoliating is extra important during winter, particularly at night. Double cleansing your face is beneficial, as the first cleanse removes any surface oil, makeup or SPF protection while the second cleanse your actual skin. Once you have exfoliated, your skin will glow, as you have buffed and removed the pileup of dead skin cells that have caused your skin to look patchy, and flaky, therefore replenishing the skin. Consistent cleansing twice daily assures richer, deeper nourishment for your skin.
Not only does your skin need some extra loving, your lips benefit from some TLC in the cold season as well. Your lips can easily become chapped due to the change of temperature, to revitalize them make sure to use a scrub to hydrate and exfoliate, leaving you with smooth lips. Cover your lips with a balm before you apply your lipstick, will not only help your lipstick apply better, it’ll nourish and protect your lips, too. Make sure to keep them moist however you can with balm, and consider gently exfoliating your lips daily for extra protection. A simple DIY lip scrub you can make yourself at home is by mixing coconut oil and brown sugar together. The sugar will remove any dead skin while the oil moisturizes your lips. Exfoliating at night, before bed is ideal.
Switching to an oil-based moisturizer (rather than water-based) in the colder months provides a layer of protection; plus, it will be better at retaining moisture. Upgrade to a thicker, if not oil-based daily moisturizer to help nourish, hydrate and protect the skin from harsh conditions outdoors. Thicker moisturizers in the winter months are not only regulated to the face, for many, many people, the winter months mean cracked heels. Don’t wait until they become painful and unsightly to care for them. Be sure to use lotions that contain petroleum jelly or glycerin, and exfoliate them every so often to get rid of dead skin.
Sunscreen is especially important during the long, hot summer days, but don’t let winter’s weaker rays fool you. It is still important to protect yourself from the sun’s damaging UVA/UVB rays.
Hydration is essential daily, which is why it’s important to remember to stay hydrated as much as possible, especially from the inside out. Drinking more water helps with clearer skin as well as helps your body function properly. Water helps your immune and digestive systems eliminate toxins and keep your skin nicely clear and hydrated. Hydration is just as important when the weather isn’t hot out.
The change of weather really does impact your skin, and the only way to give your skin some love is if you choose to use the right products in correlation to the season. Cold weather may make your cheeks rosy, but the aftereffects of freezing temperatures, wind, and heaters can zap even the healthiest skin of vital moisturizers. During the winter, it’s important to emphasize hydration, nourishment, and moisturizing even more so than usual. Protect your skin from dryness and any other conditions working against its ideal balance.
