It goes without saying that this February has been a dozy for many of us. We’ve had more snow here than I can remember in a while with freezing cold temperatures! So today, I want to talk about tips for keeping your skin healthy during the harsh winter months.
My skin is normally a combination of normal and oily. Yet, I often battle drier skin over the winter months, especially now that I live further North and am in my 50’s. I have to work a little harder this time of year to keep my skin soft and supple. Plus, areas like elbows and heels tend to be drier anyway for me – meaning during the winter I’m constantly battling these problem spots!
Winter Skin Care Tips
Drink Plenty of Water
Making sure I drink plenty of water is something I try to do year round! If I am not drinking enough in the winter, though, it really shows on my skin! I try to keep a full glass of water with me throughout the day, so I remember to drink enough.
Lately, I’ve noticed a of people using these water bottles that measure how much you drink in a day. Some have motivational quotes to help you reach your goals for water intake – what a good idea they are!
Jeffrey got us these Hydrapeak water bottles at Christmas to use when we’re out and about. They are comparable to the the Hydro Flask and YETI water bottles for less.
Use a humidifier
Using a humidifier is not only good for your skin, but helps keep your nasal passages from drying out too. My oldest son runs one in his room every night. We have one built into the heating system for our house, and it really makes a difference.
One helpful tip for using a small room humidifier is to fill it with distilled water instead of tap to prevent mineral buildup.
Skip the Really Hot Shower or Bath
I think this one is hard to do! A hot shower or bath always feels so good when the temperature plunges. Yet, it’s terrible for dry skin! One way I try to dial the heat back is to jump in the shower right after a hard workout, so I’ll want to cool off.
Swapping out your regular soap for a more soothing and moisturizing body wash is also helpful.
Use a Good Moisturizer
This really goes without saying. If you are still using a lighter-weight one from the summer or one for really oily skin, you might want to switch it out for a richer cream for the winter. I love CeraVe Moisturizing Cream. I use it on my face and body. Aveeno Dailey Moisturizing body lotion is another favorite in our house.
Clinique’s Dramatically Different moisturizing lotion is a great option for your face. I also love their Moisture Surge products.
Don’t Overlook Elbows, Feet, and Lips
While the weather calls for boots and long sleeves, remember to keep your feet and elbows moisturized. You’ll be thankful you did once warm weather comes around!
One of my favorite ways to moisturize my feet is to slather on coconut oil and then slip on a pair of cozy socks. I could do a whole post on this natural moisturizer. I love it for removing eye makeup and moisturizing my hands and nails.
For dry lips, eos lip balms are my favorite, and I like that they are all natural.
Change Your Foundation for the Winter
This last tip is something I did every year in my younger days. I typically used a matte oil absorbing foundation during the summer and swapped it out for a different foundation in the winter. Now that I’m older, I wear this makeup year round with no problems.
If you notice a dramatic difference in your skin from season to season, it’s worth reevaluating your makeup product needs for each season.