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Winter is a tough time for your skin. The cold, dry air makes you look more pale and older than you are. So it's essential to take care of your skin in the winter to avoid dryness, flaking, itching, and peeling, all of which can be uncomfortable or downright painful. With these four tips for winter skin care, you'll be able to keep your skin healthy despite the weather outside:

Wash your face with warm water.

When cleansing your face, warm water is your friend. Warm water can help open pores and cleanse the skin more effectively than cold water. It also dissolves dirt, oil, and makeup from your face without irritating. Even if you use a cleanser with exfoliating properties, warm water will still be better at removing dead skin cells.

Use a heavy moisturizer.

A moisturizer is the skin's first defense against winter elements, so using one with a high water content is essential, especially if you are used to getting waxed during this time of the month. So, even if you want to try sugar waxing, moisturizing can help.

 

 Applying your moisturizer after cleansing will help remove any dirt or debris that may have accumulated on the surface of your skin during the day or while you slept. In addition, moisturizers should be applied to your face, including dry spots. 

If you apply only to dry areas, there's a chance that you'll end up with clogged pores on other parts of your face because they aren't getting enough moisture from the cream.

When applying moisturizer in a thin layer, it’s best if done immediately after cleansing so that it can lock in moisture as soon as possible—especially if harsh ingredients like alcohol are in the formula, as this can cause dehydration. 

Cover up.

If you're going to be outside for a long time, it's important to ensure that your skin is protected from the elements. This can be done by wearing a hat and scarf. Hats protect your face from wind and cold, while scarves should be worn snugly around the neck to keep warm air in. Gloves are also a good investment if you'll be spending any amount of time outside—especially if that involves working with any kind of machinery or materials that might damage your hands.

Hydrate.

Although we’re taught to drink eight glasses of water daily, we don’t always meet that goal. So to ensure your skin gets the hydration it needs, avoids drinking high-sugar or caffeinated beverages after noon and drink a few extra glasses of water throughout the day.

If you have dry skin, applying lotion may seem like an unnecessary step in your routine, but moisturizers help lock in moisture and keep your skin healthy. 

Bottom Line

There are many different types of moisturizers available at the drugstore; try a few until you find one that works best for your skin type. If nothing else seems to work, consider investing in a humidifier for your bedroom. This simple device can help add moisture back into dry air while also helping improve sleep quality.