cold weather is not your friend. as temps drop, so do humidity levels, resulting in dry air. dry air steals moisture from your skin every second of the day causing chapping, cracking, flaking, itching, and dare we say it…aging. so, if you aren’t prepared for the brutal months ahead, don’t say we didn’t warn you…
our winter commandments to keep your skin soft and glowing…
1. use a humidifier: staying indoors isn’t much better than being outside. heating systems rob the air of moisture, causing your skin to dry out, so using a humidifier is an absolute must during winter months. they put moisture back into the air to keep your skin refreshed and glowing. they also help clear sinuses, prevent snoring, and reduce viruses as bacteria can’t travel as well in moist air
2. steer clear of hot water: as tempting as a steaming hot bath sounds, it’s very harsh on your skin and will strip it of its natural oils. always stick to lukewarm water when washing. afterwards, apply a rich body cream while your skin is still damp– don’t wait for it to dry. this allows it to seal in whatever moisture is present on the skin at the time of application
3. use a face oil: because the air is so dry during the winter, it looks for water wherever it can get it, so always apply a face oil on top of your moisturizer for added protection. oils create a protective barrier on top of the skin’s surface to reduce the risk of water loss
4. slather on SPF: no, sunscreen isn’t just for summer months. winter sun, especially combined with the glare from the snow, can be brutal. always apply a broad-spectrum SPF to face and hands before heading out
5. don’t neglect your hands: because the skin on your hands is thinner than most parts of your body and has fewer oil glands, it’s one of the hardest areas to keep hydrated. moisturize those paws like you’re on the clock by applying a rich, oil-based hand cream
6. don’t exfoliate as often: because your skin is extra sensitive during winter, you don’t want to further strip its protective barrier when you need it the most. this doesn’t mean you shouldn’t exfoliate, but turn it down a notch to avoid irritation
