How to Keep Your Skin Healthy in Winter Weather

During the winter months, many people experience dry, chapped, irritated skin. But there are lots of steps you can take to keep your skin moisturized, protected, and healthy in the wintertime. Here’s what we suggest to maintain glowing skin all winter long:

1. Cover Up

It goes without saying that the more exposed skin you have, the more potential damage it can experience in cold weather. So, before you leave the house, it’s wise to check a weather report so you know how warm you need to dress for the day. Remember to cover as much skin as possible, and wear clothing that’s warm enough for the day’s activities. It’s also wise to bring extra layers in case your clothing gets wet, or you have to spend more time in the elements than you had expected.

2. Wear Sunscreen

When it’s freezing cold outside, it may seem counterintuitive to apply sunscreen every day, but when there’s snow on the ground, it reflects the sun’s rays up to 80%, exposing your skin to harmful UV rays. Dermatologists recommend applying sunscreen that’s at least SPF 15 every day before you go outside. And if you’re spending extended time outdoors in the winter, remember to reapply sunblock every few hours to keep your skin protected.

3. Avoid Long, Hot Showers

We know when it’s cold outside, it’s tempting to take a long, steaming hot shower. But during the winter months, exposing your skin to hot water for long periods of time causes your skin to dry out faster, becoming flaky, itchy, and irritated. So during the winter months, it’s better to take short showers with tepid water for the sake of your skin’s health.

4. Use a Quality Moisturizer

During the winter months, it’s especially important to moisturize your skin at least once a day with a high-quality, oil-based moisturizer. While scented lotions may smell good, they contain alcohol, which causes water to evaporate off your skin faster. Many lotions are also water-based, which makes them less effective than oil-based products.

Using a cream-based lotion or ointment is the best way to intensely hydrate your skin. If you tend to get cracked skin on your fingers or heels, you can slather ointment on your hands and feet at bedtime, and sleep with cotton socks and gloves on so your skin can soak up the moisture all night long.

5. Stay Hydrated

During warm weather, it’s easier to be mindful of drinking plenty of water. But in the colder winter months, remember that hydration is just as important. So even when it’s cold outside, make sure you drink plenty of fluids so your body (including your skin!) can stay hydrated.

It’s also important to remember that alcohol and caffeine are diuretics, meaning they remove extra water from your body, so it’s best to stick with non-alcoholic, caffeine-free beverages for the sake of your skin.