5 Things to Add to Your Winter Skincare Routine

Posted on February 09, 2018

Dry, dull, itchy skin with chapped lips… Sounds familiar? Exposing our skin to the daily cold breeze during the winter months causes the skin to lose moisture. Therefore, maintaining a winter skincare routine is critical during the cold weather season.

Discover the top winter skincare tips, and how to achieve soft, supple and glowing skin as you battle through the chilly season.

1) Keep Hydrated

We often overlook the importance of water in winter skincare. It may be tempting to overindulge in hot chocolates, lattes, and consume an hourly cup of tea as we fight the cold. As we guzzle hot beverages, we tend to forget to hydrate on water. Water is required to maintain every single cell in the body. From keeping our skin hydrated, to removing unwanted toxins from the body, it is essential to drink at least 8 glasses of water per day. Skin dehydration is particularly common in winter months, where skin may appear dry, flaky and tight due to loss of moisture. Too chilly for ice-cold water? Sip on a glass of hot water with a slice of lemon to replenish your skin and warm you up.

2) Bye-Bye Dead Skin

Incorporating an exfoliating product to your winter skincare routine can help scrub off the dead skin cells, and allow for better absorption of moisturizers and serums. Exfoliating the skin also promotes circulation, allowing for skin cells to regenerate at a faster pace. If you suffer from sensitive skin, choose a gentle or foaming exfoliator to prevent redness or irritation. Aim to exfoliate the skin once a week. Remember, if you exfoliate too often, it will leave the skin dry, irritated and can inflame and aggravate spots.

3) Moisturize, Moisturize, Moisturize

Add a nourishing moisturizer in your winter skincare regimen to replace lost moisture caused by the dry cold air. One of the best skin care products for winter is aloe vera gel, which is known to exhibit hydrating and nourishing qualities. Suffer from an oily complexion? Aloe vera is a great way to moisturize the skin without the dreaded greasy film that thick moisturizers may cause. Not only can you use aloe vera for skin, but you can apply a dab on cracked lips for instant hydration and treatment. Aloe vera can also heal the skin barrier to protect the face from cold wind and pollutants in the air.

4) Turn Down the Heat

Turning up the temperature in our morning shower dehydrates the skin and causes dryness and itching. The heat from the water can cause cracks to form in the surface of the skin, leaving the skin exposed to environmental toxins. Instead of cranking up the heat, turn it down a notch to protect the skin’s natural barrier. After showering, don’t forget to replenish lost moisture by applying an adequate layer of moisturizer.

5) Mask On

Feed your skin with homemade DIY masks, that work to nourish the skin with necessary vitamins and minerals. Need some inspiration for homemade skincare masks? Use aloe vera as a base, and get creative with the ingredients you add in. Aloe vera is a versatile plant with a dizzying array of nutrients that can benefit the skin. Mix up your ingredients, leave the mask on the skin for 10-20 minutes and rinse off for a boost of nutrients. By pampering your skin once a week, you will be on your way to an enviable glowing complexion.

Conclusion

The key to a glowing complexion is hydration this winter. Don’t forget to drink up, moisturize, and nourish your skin with vital vitamins and minerals that are necessary for skin cell repair, production and maintenance.

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