9 Ways to Hydrate Your Skin
Winter can be really hard on your skin. Battling the cold winds can strip your skin of all its moisture, and unfortunately, staying indoors isn’t the answer either, as central heating exacerbates the problem by taking moisture away from the air and your skin. Dry skin isn’t just uncomfortable, it can also crack and bleed, making the colder months even more difficult.
Maintaining your skin’s moisture levels is a challenge, but not impossible during these colder days. Extra moisture is needed. Here, we show you 9 ways to keep your skin hydrated this winter and prevent cracked, sore skin!
1) Drink
Because drinking enough fluids in the winter is something no one is paying attention to. When the temperatures drop, we’re more likely to reach for hot drinks like tea or hot chocolate. If the thought of drinking cold water sends shivers down your already shivering spine, try warm water and lemon instead. It’s surprisingly refreshing and deeply hydrating. You can even try adding a teaspoon of honey to keep the sniffles and coughs at bay!
2) Exfoliate
Admittedly, exfoliation is more commonly associated with the warmer months as a way to remove any leftover tanning agent or sunscreen residue. During the winter, we seem to neglect exfoliation when it’s most needed, as dead skin cells build up and moisturizers have a hard time penetrating the skin. Using a shower gel with an extra exfoliator is a quick, easy way to help your skin and can be used daily.
3) Warm Water
You rush home in the freezing rain, dreaming of a hot bath. Yes, it feels wonderful, but it’s not the best decision for your skin. The temperature of the shower strips away the oils in your skin, causing it to become very dry and tight. Instead, try using warm water when showering or even washing your hands to keep your skin comfortable.
4) Choose Your Products
Moisturizing your skin daily is a great way to keep it hydrated and prevent dryness. However, choosing your products wisely can also work to your advantage in the long run, as some moisturizers contain multiple ingredients that can dry out the skin over time. The best formulas are filled with natural and nourishing ingredients. Using oil-based products instead of water is another aspect to consider, as oils moisturize the skin more effectively than water-based moisturizers. You can also consider using a hydrating mask with a generous amount of serum.
5) Moisturize daily and often
After a shower, your skin needs to be moisturized immediately before it starts to dry out. An easy way to ensure your skin stays hydrated is to apply moisturizer while the skin is still damp. This locks in moisture.
6) Protection
We protect our skin from the cold by wearing gloves, hats, and scarves, but we always forget to use sunscreen. Although the sun is no longer as harsh in the winter, it is still there and just as strong as ever. Even on cloudy days, it is best to apply sunscreen or use a moisturizer with an SPF. This will not only protect us from possible sun damage, but also prevent dry skin and possible cracking.
7) Nighttime Moisturizer
It’s not just your face that needs extra moisturizing during the colder months. Areas like the hands, feet, elbows, and knees dry out faster because the skin is thinner in these areas. Applying a thick moisturizer to these areas will help a lot, and for extra help, you can try wearing cotton gloves and socks while sleeping and wake up with perfectly hydrated skin!
8) Moisturize from the Inside Out
Moisturizing your skin from the inside is easier than you think. Eating water-rich foods like cucumbers and watermelon can help moisturize your skin from the inside. Other foods like oily fish and avocados, which are naturally rich in fatty acids, are also good for your skin, helping to moisturize and improve the appearance of your skin, giving it a healthy glow.
9) Make Your Own
The last idea is the most time-consuming, mainly because you have to follow a recipe and make a homemade mask, but it’s definitely worth it. Mix ingredients that are naturally high in moisture, like honey, yogurt, avocado, banana, and aloe vera, then apply the mixture to your skin for 10 to 30 minutes. This will leave your skin hydrated and feeling very comfortable and moisturized, ready to face the daily frost!
It’s important to keep your skin healthy and hydrated this winter. By following these nine tips, you’ll have more than enough options to achieve healthy, balanced skin. Before you know it, spring is here!
