Winter can be harsh on your skin. If you are looking for skin care hacks to save your skin from redness and dryness this winter, then keep reading! We all suffer from dry, itchy skin as the air gets colder, so proper skin care can save you throughout the cold months.
Implementing a skincare routine should be just that: a routine. You might think buying new products and pampering yourself is frivolous, but taking care of your skin is an important part of maintaining your health. It can be as easy as applying a night cream before bed and keeping a small bottle of lotion in your car.
Itchy or cracked skin can be miserable for adults and children alike. However, there are plenty of simple skin care hacks you and your family can use to prevent dry skin and treat irritation this winter.
Here are the top 10 skin care hacks you should try this winter to combat the cold!
- Find the Right Moisturizer
Moisturizer is your face’s best defense against harsh weather. Oil-based moisturizers are more protective than water-based creams, making them the best option for winter. Look for ointments with oils like avocado, mineral, primrose or almond, or humectants, which attract moisture. For children, look for creams that are gentle or designed for sensitive skin.
Applying moisturizer after washing your face and before you go to bed will help you wake up feeling refreshed.
- Wear Sunscreen
Sunscreen is a crucial step in skin care no matter the season. While you might not think about it when the weather is cold and overcast, the sun is still active in the winter and can reflect off snow to damage your skin.
Apply to your face about 30 minutes before going outside.
- Take Care When Wearing a Mask
Colds, flus and the coronavirus can spread quickly during winter, so you and your family might be wearing masks on a daily basis. You’ve probably experienced some of the downsides to wearing a mask, such as dry skin, breakouts and oiliness.
However, there are numerous ways you can combat these side effects, such as cutting back on makeup, cleansing your face consistently, and washing your reusable masks. Opt for cotton over synthetic materials for your masks, and throw them in with your next load of laundry to prevent bacteria.
- Wash Your Face
While you may feel the urge to avoid splashing water on your dry face in the winter, washing your skin should be part of your daily routine in every season. Using a moisturizing or creamy cleanser can provide some relief to dry or itchy skin.
If you skip washing, you run the risk of developing acne on top of your dryness. Getting kids in the habit of daily cleansing will also help them manage any acne problems they might encounter as they get older.
In the winter, look for cleansers made for dry or irritated skin, and avoid harsh astringents that will only dry you out further.
- Avoid Harsh Treatments
You might enjoy the occasional peel, mud mask or exfoliant, but these treatments can be rough on dry, itchy skin. If you want to treat yourself, splurge on a new moisturizer or foaming cleanser during the winter instead. Your skin will thank you later.
- Don’t Forget Your Hands
Hand hygiene is an important way to prevent sickness in the winter. Using hand sanitizer has become second nature, and we’re constantly reminding our children to wash their hands. But water and sanitizer can cause your hands to dry out. Keeping hand lotion in your purse, at your desk or in your child’s backpack can be a lifesaver when it comes to cracking skin.
- And Your Lips
Just like your hands, your lips can also face the consequences of cold weather. While many people keep lip balm on hand all the time, others are not in the habit of applying and reapplying it throughout the day.
Not all lip products work the same, though. Pay attention to the ingredients and avoid products that will actually dry your lips, like menthol, camphor or phenol. These substances can form a dependency without doing your lips any good. Instead, look for things like SPF, hyaluronic acid and vitamin C that will heal your chapped lips.
- Turn Down the Water Temperature
While you might feel the need to shower in hot water when it’s cold outside, it is actually best to turn it down a notch. Hot water can draw oil out of your skin and result in dryness and flakiness. Keep this in mind for yourself and your children when turning on the shower or drawing a bath.
- Try a Humidifier
When you’re cranking up the heat in your house, be sure to balance the hot air with some moisture. Installing humidifiers throughout your home, especially in your family’s bedrooms, will help everyone’s skin while you stay warm inside.
- Consult a Dermatologist
If you or your child has a persistent skin problem, try seeking medical advice. Walking down the skin care aisle at a drug store can be overwhelming. Your dermatologist can recommend specific products that would work better for your skin rather than leaving the guessing up to you.
Especially with children, you want to be sure you’re buying products that are gentle and won’t cause further irritation. If you’re unsure, checking with your doctor is a good place to start.
Skin Care Hacks For Healthy Winter Skin
If you’re feeling frustrated with your dry, cracked skin, don’t give up. Solving the problem might be a matter of doing a bit more research into the products you’re using or finding the gaps in your routine. Taking two minutes to apply moisturizer or SPF in the morning may be all you need to brace the harsh weather. These skin care hacks might be the thing to save your face this winter.
