Just like clothing and the leaves on trees changes, so does my skin for fall and winter. My winter skincare regimen is completely different than summer. If your skin is like mine, it misbehaves when the temperature starts to change. It goes from an oily glowworm to a dry saltine cracker. It is nothing nice. My eczema starts to flare up and I experience patches that resemble burned flesh if I start slacking on my skincare. Winter skincare for all of us is very important.
For most of us, changing products and routines for this time of year is a must. That means I’m not only assessing my winter hair needs and changing products but, I am doing the same for my skin. I wanted to share a few winter skincare tips to keep your skin looking great for the fall and winter.
Water
We all know about the recommended 8 glasses of water per day for overall hydration: however, beautiful skin starts from the inside out. Drinking water will keep your skin blemish-free and give it a beautiful glow. I know I can tell the difference when I am properly hydrated, opposed to not. My skin barely needs additional moisturizer when I am hydrated. In contrast, when I have been slacking with my water intake, my skin is dry and patchy even when I am moisturizing daily.
Sunscreen
Yes, we need sunscreen during the winter. The skin needs to be protected during the winter from UV rays. Essentially, our skin needs protection year-round. I enjoy my youthful skin and would not appreciate premature aging or worse yet, skin cancer. I own a few moisturizers and they all contain sunscreen that allows me to moisturize and protect in one application.
Bronzer
If you are like me, bronzer during the winter is desperately needed. Most of us get lighter during the winter and for some like me, we end up looking like Casper the not-so-friendly ghost. Bronzer gives me the added color and warmth I need by allowing me to maintain my summer glow.
Oil-based products
Most of us tend to be drier during the winter months due to cold temperatures and dry air. Oil-based products are thicker and last longer. These products give skin the much-needed hydration that is required along with having oil that can seal in moisture. The same way you moisturize and seal your hair, you need to do the same for your skin. There is nothing sexy about rough dry alligator skin. Cuddling with an alligator is not fun! In short, opt for heavier oil-based products during the winter to maximize the benefits of moisturizing. I prefer and recommend body butters and creams over standard lotions during the winter months.
Moisturize Daily
Moisturizing daily is important to keep your skin looking great. In order to reap the benefits of your oil-based products and proper moisture, you must be consistent. Like a flower, if you do not water as needed (moisturize) the skin will wilt. If you have any sense of vanity, just think of moisturizing daily as a wrinkle prevention plan (wrinkle insurance). I don’t know about you but, I refuse to “grow old gracefully.” I will be fighting it tooth and nail (excuse my clichés). I recently slacked on my daily moisturizing and let me tell you, my skin is nothing pretty at the moment. I am moisturizing and using moisturizing masks like crazy. Even if you do not wear makeup, moisturize daily.
Scrubs and Exfoliating Cloths
Scrubs and exfoliating cloths remove dead cells and prevent dry patches from forming. This will keep your skin healthy and in most cases smooth. I know using an exfoliating cloth helps me prevent breakouts. I am not acne-prone normally but if I do not keep my skin debris-free and my pores clear, I will turn into a bumpy not so happy mess. I use a little round exfoliating pad I found at the Dollar Store on my face. On my body, I use an exfoliating washcloth that I purchased from Wal-Mart for around $3. I also like exfoliating prior to shaving. I noticed doing so gives me a better shave and continued exfoliating prevents ingrown hairs and such.
I hope you found these fall and winter skincare tips helpful. The summary; drink water, moisturize, use heavier products and products containing sunscreen. Follow it with a little bronzer for added color but make sure you have exfoliated to prevent patches of dry skin. The best base for makeup application is great skin. However, if you do not wear makeup it is still important to take care of your skin.
What are your fall and winter skincare tips?
Moisturizing and drinking enough water is important for your skin, especially during winter. If you want to have a glowing skin during this cold season, make sure that you do the right skin care.