Interested in how to combat winter dry skin? As the days turn colder and thoughts turn to holiday parties and celebrations, we naturally want to be looking our best and most radiant.
Unfortunately, the change of season usually wreaks havoc on even the most resilient complexions, leading to tired-looking dry skin. And dry skin during the winter season year after year can lead to lasting damage and even premature aging. So what can you do to banish dry skin and keep your complexion looking fresh and youthful throughout the holiday season?
Here are some simple tips and tricks to keeping dry skin at bay during the winter months:
Cleansing: If your are currently washing your face with soap, consider switching during the winter months to a cream-based facial cleanser. Cleansers often have built in moisturizers which means that the cleanser won't strip away the natural moisture in your skin.
Moisturizing: Moisturizer is a must during winter months. Contrary to popular believe, moisturizers aren't absorbed by the skin. Moisturizers act as a sealant to keep the skin's natural moisture from evaporating away. The best routine at night, wash your face with a gentle cleanser and pat gently dry. Then apply a moisturizer. In the morning, there's no need for a cleanser, simply was your face with warm water and then apply the moisturizer.
Sunscreen: Don't think that just because you can't go sunbathing, you shouldn't be wearing sunscreen. Between the months of October and March sunscreen is as important as ever. Just because the sun doesn't feel warm doesn't mean that your complexion can do without protection from UVA and UVB rays. The difference is that in winter you need a lower SPF. In most cases SPF 8 is adequate.
Exfoliate: Your complexion can get flaky in the winter months, so for a fresh face, it's important to use a gentle exfoliate reasonably frequently. When you don't properly exfoliate, dead cells build up, stopping your moisturizer from properly doing its job. Exfoliating once or twice a week is enough to keep dead cells at bay.
Use these tips to combat seasonal complexion problems and keep your face fresh and beautiful! If you have an extreme condition that persists, make sure you see a dermatologist.
