With snowstorm after snowstorm hitting many states in the US, it seems like winter weather is here to stay for a bit longer. Even Florida, the sunshine state, has been experiencing its fair share of unseasonable lows. So you might be looking for a few ways to warm up your skin. Here's a list of five that'll help.
- Keep on exfoliating. Many women stop exfoliating their skin during the wintertime and instead load up on moisturizer, because they fear having a raw, red complexion. Well, it turns out that exfoliating is actually effective for creating extra moisture. Exfoliating makes way for moisture-rich cells to come to the surface, Annet King, director of training and development for the International Dermal Institute, tells Marie Claire.
Plus, not exfoliating leads to a lackluster, sallow complexion. To get stunning skin without the irritation, look for an exfoliant with enzymes, which tends to be a gentler option, according to the magazine. Tracie Martyn Enzyme Exfoliant has loads of benefits, including sloughing off dead skin cells, minimizing fine lines, reducing redness and nourishing the skin – all essentials for wintertime. And remember to continue using a good moisturizer, especially after exfoliating.
- Sidestep windburned skin. Wind doesn’t just sabotage a good hair day (think flyaways, frizzies and staticky strands); it can also damage our skin. Real Simple has some great suggestions on preventing and treating a windburned complexion: Before going outside, first apply a rich salve. Then, apply your sunscreen, which should contain SPF 30 or greater.
Using a super-hydrating ointment gives skin a protective layer against the wind, and the sunscreen, of course, shields your skin from damage. Ointments consist of 80 percent oil and 20 percent water, so they contain the most oil, according to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD). Plus, ointments are great when humidity is low, says the AAD. But if you’ve got oily or acne-prone skin, avoid ointments, and stick to water-based lotions, instead.
You also can use a nourishing cleanser and a 1 percent hydrocortisone cream if itching and irritation are a problem, reports Real Simple. You may even want to use a creamy cleanser that you can just tissue off, suggests dermatologist Patricia Wexler, M.D., in Woman’s Day. In fact, every skin type should avoid foaming cleansers in the wintertime, according to dermatologist Leslie Baumann, M.D.
Here are 12 tips to combat itchy, irritated skin during winter.
- Look for double-duty products. Find products that contain hydrators and skin-boosting ingredients such as antioxidants. This helps to “maximize moisturization and protect from the harsh winter elements,” according to Stylist.
Another great multitasker is tinted moisturizer, which hydrates the skin and gives it a warm, radiant glow. And if you’re short on space, buy mini kits, such as compacts with lip, shadow and cheek colors. Compacts are also terrific for on-the-go touch-ups, so keep a kit in your beauty bag.
Here’s more on double-duty products.
- Steer clear of moisture-depleting scavengers. In the wintertime, there are many culprits that dry out your skin. Avoid using alcohol-based toners, potent peels and clay-based masks, because they strip the skin of its natural oils, reports WebMD. Also, stay away from bubble bath products, which contain irritating foaming ingredients. Same goes for formulas with fragrance and dyes – common skin irritants.
Instead, this is the time to use gentler products in general and to opt for hydrating masks and skin-soothing oatmeal baths. Using oatmeal soap can also calm the skin.
- Fine-tune your beauty routine. Thanks to the blistery wind and harsh temps, your eyes can get watery and tear up. To prevent a mascara meltdown, be sure you’re using a waterproof product. Choose waterproof eyeliner, too.
Because skin tends to get drier, you might want to opt for creamier formulas, instead of powder ones. For instance, use a creamy blush to create a natural, dewy complexion. Also, find a moisturizing foundation and avoid matte formulas.
Chapped lips are another winter skin woe. According to Allure, avoid matte and long-lasting lipsticks and lip stains, which dry out your pout. Wear lip balm with SPF 30 underneath your lip gloss. You get added hydration and protection, and lips look supple and smooth.
While chilly weather lingers, continue to take special care of your skin by choosing creamier formulas, sloughing off dead cells, avoiding moisture-squelching skin care and using multitasking products. You can have stunning skin even when the harsh weather of wintertime remains.
See also:
Sensible Beauty Solutions for Dry Skin: Top 5 Super-Hydrating Skincare Ingredients
Skin Care Solutions for Every Season
Winter’s Top Beauty Splurges