Winter is a time for giving—buying presents for family and friends, opening up your home to share a festive feast together, and donating holiday gift baskets to families in need.
This year, don’t forget to give to the most important person of all: yourself.
After the long, hard year we’ve all had, no one deserves it more. Start with the gift of healthy, glowing skin, so you’re equipped to handle whatever winter winds blow your way.
1. Keep Your Thermostat Low
On those chilly winter mornings, all you really want to do is crank the heat, crawl under a blanket, and spend the next eight hours watching holiday movies and cartoons.
Great for the soul, not-so-great for your skin.
Central heat makes your already-dry-house even drier, sapping the much-needed moisture from the air. While you may be comfortable, your skin certainly isn’t.
Instead, stick within a few degrees of 70°F for a mild yet comfortable temperature. Invest in a smart home ecosystem that allows you to program timers for your thermostat and adjust the heat using your Apple Watch, smartphone, or Google Assistant.
2. Update Your Skincare Routine
As the seasons change, so should your skincare routine.
Long before the first snowfall, switch out your regular regimen according to these guiding principles:
- Cream-based cleansers – Not all cleansers are created equal, especially those with acidic bases that dry out your already-sensitive skin. Opt for a cream-based cleanser that washes away any dirt, grime, and impurities, while maintaining optimal hydration levels.
- Alcohol-free toner – Many toners contain alcohol and astringents, which naturally dry out your skin. This isn’t such a big deal in the spring and summer—in fact, you may not even notice it—but in the winter, it makes for an uncomfortable few months. Switch to a gel toner so you can still remove residual cleanser and balance pH levels without the harsh, drying effects of other toners.
- Steer clear of fragrances – Fragrance is another primary suspect when it comes to dry skin. That’s because the fragrance-filled products (especially toners and serums that you don’t wash off) rob your skin of their natural oils, which maintain proper pH and moisture levels. Those with skin conditions like eczema, rosacea, and acne should be particularly wary of any scented products.
With all that being said, you don’t need to flip everything on its head this December (times are changing enough as it is these days). Some products are good to use year-round, like your wrinkle remover, mineral sunscreen, and favorite moisturizing lip balm.
3. Exfoliate & Moisturize
If you’re hoping for healthier skin this season, these are about to become your two favorite words. Repeat them like a mantra, every morning and every night, until you have the glowing complexion you deserve.
Incorporate them both into your daily routine as you brave the freezing winter months:
- Use a cream or ointment moisturizer multiple times per day. At the very least, apply once in the morning and once before bed. For better results, make it a habit to moisturize whenever you wash your face or hands. Hand-washing is vital to protect yourself from the flu or common cold (now more than ever) but all that warm water and scrubbing can really do a number on your dry skin.
- Try exfoliating gently during the winter to clear your skin of dead cells and dry, unhealthy skin. As you regenerate new, healthy skin cells, your moisturizer and organic skincare products will better penetrate the dermis for increased protection from dry air and cold winds—plus, you’ll notice a brighter, fresher look.
Keep a moisturizing bar of hand soap in your bathroom’s soap dish and a cabinet full of gentle products for a real shot at braving the winter sans-skin issues.
Winter Weather Ready
Taking care of yourself this holiday season isn’t selfish—it’s an act of love. After all, that’s what the holiday season is all about.
You better start making your list and checking it twice (your list of skincare tricks to try, that is!).
Article Submitted By Community Writer
