Winter is one of the best times of the year; family holidays, cosy cooking and warm fireplaces all make the colder season truly magical and by the end of it all, you might just come out as a happier, more contented you. There’s one reason, however, to hate the winter season and, try as we might, we are all plagued by it each year: Dry skin. Thanks to indoor heating, biting winter weather and lack of good sunlight, the colder season can be one of the harshest on your skin and by the time spring rolls around, you might find yourself in need of a good complexion makeover.
Suffering from dry skin is something that hits all of us during the winter season, and changing up your skincare regime can really help to battle the colder months. By taking better care of the things that you put on your skin, you can come out of the season as a more glowing you; all that you need to do is follow these easy steps.
Use Hydrating Masks
At any other time of the year, a face mask is a skincare indulgence, and something to be enjoyed from time to time. During winter, however, masks can make a very real difference to the quality of your skin and you should be applying them 2 to 3 times during the week. If you’re suffering from dry skin, then hydrating masks are your best friends; while your daily moisturizing routine will keep things going, the mask will boost your hydration levels and give your skin that much needed glow. Making a mask part of your nighttime routine will help you to wind down and really relax into the winter season, too.
Keep Your Shower Warm
When it’s cold outside, it’s tempting to boost the shower temperature up to nearly scalding and while it might give you a brief respite from the cold, very hot water can be damaging to the skin. Showering in overly heated temperatures removes oils from the skin, drying it out and leaving it to crack. You might also find that your scalp starts to flake if the temperature is left at too high a level. When you’re showering, keep the temperature moderately warm and bundle up afterwards; it might not be the heat that you’re craving, but your skin will thank you for it later.
Gently Exfoliate Your Skin
Buffing away dry, dead skin is a great way in which to keep your complexion looking great and to boost your skin’s moisture. Using a gentle exfoliant as part of your cleansing routine 2 to 3 times during the week will help to get rid of any dry skin build up and leave your complexion much smoother and more hydrated. Alternatively, you can use a warm washcloth as a natural exfoliator if you don’t want to over-scrub your skin or expose it to harsh chemicals. Simply move the cloth in circular motions around your face, taking care not to apply too much pressure as you do so.
Drink Lots Of Water
It’s the age old saying, but water really does work wonders on the skin. Hydration should start from the inside out and if your body’s up to scratch internally, then it really will show on your face. While drinking gallons of water in one fell swoop can seem impossible, sipping on the stuff throughout the day will help to keep your hydration levels up without resulting in any mad dashes to the bathroom. If you want to switch things up, you can try adding fresh fruit or herbs to your water to give it an unusual flavor!
Use A Cold Cream Cleanser
While we’re all guilty of using a face wipe when we don’t have the time or energy to remove our makeup properly, winter is not the time in which to do so. Using a cold cream cleanser to wash your face and remove any dirt or makeup is a great way to keep your moisture levels topped up and your complexion looking great. Gently rubbing a cold cream on your face will remove most makeup and cleanse the skin at the same time. Better yet, your skin will start to feel smooth and soft in practically no time at all, making winter skin a real breeze to combat!
When it comes to winter skin, it really is easier than ever to maintain a great complexion and in many cases, it’s just about switching up your products and committing to a different routine. At the end of the season, your skin might be looking so great that you could be sorry to put it all away again!