Ive noticed that winter months have been particularly hard for my skin, as it becomes dry, flaky, and sometimes even irritated. The cold weather combined with indoor heating can strip the skin of its natural moisture, leaving it feeling tight and uncomfortable.
Ive made more trips to my dermatologist office than I care to admit during these months, seeking advice on how to keep my skin hydrated and healthy. After trying countless products and techniques,
Ive finally found a routine that works for me.
If you also struggle with dry skin during the winter months, follow these tips to keep your skin hydrated and glowing.
Hydrate from Within
The first step to keeping your skin hydrated during winter is to make sure you are hydrating from within.
This means drinking enough water and staying properly hydrated throughout the day.
Cold weather can often result in decreased thirst, so it’s important to make a conscious effort to drink water regularly.
Aim for at least 8 glasses of water per day, and try incorporating warm herbal teas and hot soups into your diet for added hydration.
Switch to a Gentle Cleanser
During winter, it’s important to switch to a gentle cleanser that won’t strip your skin of its natural oils and moisture.
Choosing the right cleanser can make all the difference in keeping your skin hydrated. Look for gentle, cream-based cleansers that wont strip your skin of its natural oils.
Avoid cleansers with harsh ingredients like alcohol and fragrance, which can be drying on the skin.
My favorites are Cerave Hydrating Facial Cleanser and Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hydrating Cleansing Gel. Both are affordable and effective in removing impurities without leaving the skin feeling dry or tight.
Understand Your Skin Type
First things first, understanding your skin type is fundamental.
Not all dry skins are created equal.
Heres what i mean :
- Dry skin: lacks oil and may feel tight, itchy, or flaky.
- Dehydrated skin: lacks water and may look dull, have fine lines, or feel tight.
- Combination skin: has both dry and oily areas on the face.
- Normal skin: well-balanced with a healthy amount of oil and water.
Once you understand your skin type, you can customize your skincare routine to address its specific needs.
Moisturizing: Day vs. Night
Moisturizing, if done correctly, can do wonders for your winter skin.
Find a deep moisturizing cream for the day and a recovery cream for the night.
Trust me; this will help you achieve that dewy glow.
You should also consider adding facial oil to your nighttime routine for an extra hydration boost.
Look for oils that are non-comedogenic, meaning they wont clog pores, and contain ingredients like jojoba or argan oil.
Exfoliation is Key
Exfoliating regularly can help remove dead skin cells and promote the regeneration of new, healthy skin cells. This is especially important during the winter months when our skin tends to be drier and more prone to buildup.
However, be mindful not to over-exfoliate as this can strip the skin of its natural oils and cause irritation. Stick to exfoliating once or twice a week with a gentle scrub or chemical exfoliant.
A few weeks ago, I woke up with blotchy skin. I was desperate for relief, so I decided to try a hydrating face mask.
To my surprise, it made a huge difference in just one use! The key is to choose masks with moisturizing ingredients like hyaluronic acid or glycerin.
Sunscreen, Even in Winter
Many of us tend to forget about sunscreen during the winter months, but its just as important as ever. UV rays can still penetrate through cloudy skies, and the suns reflection off snow can intensify their effects.
Opt for a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30, and apply it every day before heading out. This will not only protect your skin from harmful UV rays but also help lock in moisture.
Invest in a Humidifier
As mentioned earlier, indoor heating can dry out the air and in turn, dry out your skin. Investing in a humidifier can help add moisture back into the air and prevent your skin from becoming too dehydrated.
Place the humidifier in your bedroom or wherever you spend most of your time at home for maximum benefit.
Product Recommendations
Now onto my secret weapons! I swear by these two products:
The HydraQuench Cream for day and the HydraEssentiel Rich Cream for night from Clarins. Seriously, it feels like a spa-day every day! i love that they both have hyaluronic acid and shea butter, which are amazing for hydrating the skin.
Another favorite of mine is The Body Shop Vitamin E Overnight Serum-in-Oil. This product has a blend of oils that leave my skin feeling radiant and hydrated when I wake up.
How To Keep Your Skin Hydrated In Winter- From AM to PM
AM:
- Cleanser: Ditch those harsh, stripping cleansers. Go for gentle, hydrating cleansers that leave your skin feeling plump and refreshed. I swear by the CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser.
- Toner: Toners are great for adding an extra layer of hydration to your skin. Look for toners with ingredients like hyaluronic acid or glycerin.
- Serums: Use a hydrating serum. I cannot stress enough how much incorporating a hydrating serum has been a game-changer for me .
- Moisturizer: Opt for a deep moisturizing cream that will lock in moisture throughout the day. The Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gel Cream is a great affordable option.
- Sunscreen: Dont forget this step! Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher to protect your skin from the suns harmful rays.
PM:
- Makeup remover: Remove all traces of makeup before going to bed. Micellar water or cleansing balms are gentle and effective options.
- Cleanser: Cleanse your face with a hydrating cleanser to remove any remaining impurities.
- Facial oil: Give your skin an extra boost of hydration by using a few drops of facial oil on top of your moisturizer.
- Masking: I pamper myself with hydrating masks twice a week. It’s an extra dose of moisture for my skin. Can’t get enough of them!
- Overnight hydration: Last but not least, I slather a thick layer of a hydrating overnight mask. I wake up with soft, supple skin. It’s magic, I tell ya!
N.B. ALWAYS PATCH-TEST BEFORE ADDING A NEW PRODUCT TO YOUR ROUTINE.
DIY Hacks | Kitchen Ingredients for Hydrated Skin
Some home ingredients can maintain supple skin.
- Honey,
- coconut oil,
- aloe vera,
- cucumber, and
- avocado are great options for DIY face masks or moisturizers.
They are all rich in vitamins and minerals that nourish and hydrate the skin. Just make sure to do a patch test before applying to your entire face.
Also, remember that these ingredients may not be suitable for all skin types, so use with caution.
Final Thoughts
Dont let the winter weather get the best of your skin. With these tips and product recommendations, you can keep your skin hydrated and glowing all season long.
Remember to drink plenty of water too. Hydrating from the inside out is just as important. Stay warm, stay hydrated, and keep your skin looking its best!
Happy winter skincare! So go ahead and try out some of these tips and see the difference it makes for your skin.
Remember to always listen to your skin and adjust your routine accordingly.
