You may have noticed that your skin feels tighter, drier and flakier throughout the winter months. If so, you’re not imagining these changes to your complexion, and you’re not alone – it’s common for cold weather to wreak havoc on your skin and leave it feeling dehydrated.
Thankfully, there are steps you can take to keep your skin looking radiant and healthy, even when temperatures plummet. Read on for a helpful guide to keeping your skin hydrated throughout winter.
HOW DOES WINTER IMPACT YOUR SKIN?
As it gets colder outside, the level of humidity in the air drops, alongside the temperature. This lack of humidity can, in turn, suck moisture from your skin, leaving it feeling dry and in need of extra care.
Wintry conditions can also make your skin feel inflamed or sensitive, so it’s worth paying extra attention to your skin’s needs throughout the season. Although these common skin problems can be a pain to deal with, they can each be tackled with the right skincare routine and some simple lifestyle changes, so you don’t have to worry.
HOW TO PREVENT DRY WINTER SKIN
Dry skin is more common in winter, but that doesn’t mean it’s inevitable. By getting ahead of the cold weather in future and investing in a few key products, you’ll find it much easier to keep your skin feeling soft and supple.
- KEEP APPLYING SUNSCREEN
Winter days may be shorter and darker, but that doesn’t mean it’s safe to cut sunscreen out of your daily routine. Even in winter, harmful ultraviolet rays can cause damage to your skin and put stress on its moisture barrier, which is essential to maintain hydrated and healthy skin. Keep your skin safe by applying sun protection factor (SPF) every morning.
- USE A HEAVY MOISTURISER
You may not usually like putting heavy products on your face, but winter is the time to forego this rule and invest in a rich moisturiser. Try replacing your lightweight gel moisturiser with a heavier cream formula for a much-needed hydration boost.
- MOISTURISE STRAIGHT AFTER CLEANSING
Whenever you wash your face, you’re stripping your skin of its natural oils, which help lock in moisture. By moisturising right after cleansing, it’s easy to replace these and ensure your skin stays hydrated for the rest of the day. For best results, try moisturising while your skin is still damp, as this will provide further hydration.
- USE A HUMIDIFIER
Dry winter air isn’t only an issue outside – it prevails indoors, too. Invest in a humidifier for your home to add moisture back into the air, making it more forgiving to your skin.
- TURN DOWN THE TEMPERATURE
One reason that the air inside your home is drier in winter is that you use the heating more regularly. Central heating may keep you toasty, but it can also suck moisture from your skin, so it’s worth limiting how often you turn the radiators on or taking the temperature down a notch.
- DRINK PLENTY OF WATER
An enhanced skincare routine goes a long way towards hydrating your skin, but you must also remember to hydrate from the inside out. Drink plenty of water to keep your skin healthy and happy all season long. You could also get one of those hydrate sachets so that you get all the necessary minerals in your body.
- USE A CHEMICAL EXFOLIANT
As your skin gets drier, you’ll likely feel the need to exfoliate more regularly during winter, but too much scrubbing could cause further damage to your skin. Consider replacing your face scrub with a gentle chemical exfoliant.
- TRY A PROFESSIONAL SKIN TREATMENT
If your skin is still struggling, you may consider treating yourself to a professional treatment. Visit a trusted Harley Street clinic to discuss your needs with certified skincare specialists, who will advise on the best procedure for you. One popular option is skin hydration therapy, a treatment that uses hyaluronic acid to rejuvenate your skin, improve hydration and increase plumpness.
People may also opt for professional facilities that could use devices such as an ultrasound skin tightening machine or similar equipment. Treatments like these can enhance collagen generation, which can reduce skin pores, tighten the skin and increase the water retention capacity of skin cells.