How to Protect Your Skin from Winter Weather

Winter is in full swing. Whether you deal with freezing temperatures and snow, or chilly nights and dryness, winter weather will affect your skin. When the seasons change you should also change up your skincare routine. Here are 7 skincare tips to help you battle dry skin throughout the winter.

Wash Your Face

It’s always important to cleanse your face, no matter the season. And while hot showers and baths can feel amazing in the winter, high temps aren’t your skin’s friend. Hot water strips away natural protective oils. Too hot water can even damage your skin! Opt for lukewarm or even cool water to wash your hands and face.

Moisturize

Your skin needs more moisture in the winter due to the harsh weather we associate with it and the dry air. Apply moisturizer to your damp skin right after you wash your face. This will help seal that dampness into your skin. It’s handy to keep a bottle of moisturizer near your sink to use every time you wash. When it comes to choosing a moisturizer, choose carefully. Some over- the-counter moisturizers have ingredients that can actually further dry out your skin. Select one that has natural, nourishing ingredients, such as coconut oil, argan oil, and aloe vera. Try an oil-based moisturizer rather than a water-based one, as it’s more likely to help your skin retain moisture during winter months. It is also a good idea to moisturize overnight. And don’t forget about your body. Hands, feet, elbows, and knees tend to be dry areas so slather on a body balm or butter and wear gloves and socks to seal in the moisture until you wake up.

Exfoliate

Rid your skin of dead cells. Moisture can’t get in if there are too many dead cells clogging your pores. A few times a week, use a cleanser with exfoliating beads or a chemical exfoliator. For your body, use a body scrub in the shower to exfoliate your skin. Then follow with moisturizer.

Protect

If it’s chilly where you live, get in the habit of wearing gloves and scarves to protect your skin from cold winds, rain, and snow. Also, don’t forget sunscreen. Winter sun is just as damaging as summer sun, so pick your favorite SPF and apply it to bare showing skin.

Humidify

Heating systems in homes tend to dry out the air. Get a humidifier for your house, especially for your bedroom. This will put moisture back in the air and your skin. Just make sure to keep it super clean. Rinse it daily, wash it with a diluted vinegar solution once a week, and change its filter regularly. This will help prevent bacteria growth and keep you healthy.

Hydrate

Do you drink less water in the winter because you turn to hot beverages like cocoa and tea? Be careful! Your skin always needs hydration from the inside, out. Drink lots of water. Try adding lemon, cucumber, and other fruits for flavor. It can be tasty, refreshing, and hydrating all at the same time.

Mask

Try a hydrating mask. You can purchase one or create your own. For a DIY mask, use natural moisturizing ingredients like honey, avocado, yogurt, olive oil, bananas and aloe. Mix together what you like and create a cream or paste. Leave it on for 10-30 minutes for lasting hydration.

By now you understand how to treat your skin with love. Do you think you have what it takes to help others learn your tricks? Become a trained esthetician at Salon Success Academy. Check out our six locations and fill out the form for more information on how you could train for a bright new career.