Every season has its charms. It also has its own set of challenges which can land you in a predicament if you are not proactive about the changing needs of your skin. While we should look forward to taking the most out of the season, it would be wise to prep for what it entails for your skin so you can focus on the good things from the get-go!
That being said, here is the list of the Top 5 ways you can ensure healthy skin in the Winter season.
1. Humidifier
Cold weather has low humidity levels. How does the low humidity affect the skin? Low humidity is known to take away moisture from the Epidermis, which is the uppermost layer of the skin. This causes the skin to dry out and look dull and flaky. If this skin situation stays untended, it may even result in making the skin crack.
What do we do now to save our skin? Let’s tackle it from a more logical (scientific) angle. Cool air holds less moisture. The cooler your environment is, the less water is present in the air. This air quality is reduced from its optimum level and now suffers from Low Humidity. That’s where Humidifier comes in. A humidifier disperses water vapors into the air increasing the air moisture level. It is recommended to keep a humidifier to replenish the decreased humidity levels back into the air.
Invest in a good humidifier and you won’t have to look back at this problem for a long time. It is recommended to place the humidifier in the room you spend most of your time. Tip: You may even let it run through the night as the air quality gets drier due to colder levels during the night.
Humidifiers have become an absolute necessity and are easily available online.
If you're interested in purchasing a humidifier, I highly recommend checking out LEVOITS Home Humidifiers. Dubbed as the Best Humidifiers by the Newyork Times: Wirecutter, it doesn't come more recommended.
Investing in a quality humidifier can do wonders for your indoor air quality and overall health. And don't forget, to get the most out of your humidifier, consider pairing it with a humidity meter to ensure the ideal levels of moisture in your home. You can find quite a few selections on Amazon.com
If you would like to go a step further and ensure optimum levels of humidity in your home, you can get a Humidity meter readily available through e-commerce websites online.
2. Avoid Hot Water for Baths and Hand wash
While nothing sounds more relaxing than long steamy showers, especially during the cold bustling winter season. But, trust me, it can create havoc on your skin. Try to compromise by taking a 5 to 10-minute warm bath instead. You will feel the same amount of freshness after a warm bath but with the difference that your skin is going to look clean and hydrated instead of dry and flaky.
In case you’re wondering how much is too hot for your skin. Every person has a different level of skin sensitivity. If the current level of water temperature causes your skin to turn red, that means it’s too hot for you. A good level is where you feel warm temperature but your skin doesn’t change color.
People who are prone to eczema should be extra careful with water temperature as it can turn your skin scaly and itchy if it's exposed to hot water often.
Hands are the most frequently washed area of our body and this makes them more susceptible to dryness if not moisturized properly. Best to invest in a good eczema cream to keep the issues at bay. There are many good quality creams in the market. Be sure to check out our article covering this topic exclusively
RELATED: What Is Eczema? How Do I Manage the Symptoms To Avoid Flare Ups?
Some of the products may treat the skin issue but have a very uncomfortable greasy texture feeling which can be quite irritating when it meddles with your grip on things.
3. Modify Your Skin-care Routine According to Season
It is very important to understand that the solution will only work till the problem stays the same. The changing seasons can make your skin respond differently while you continue to use the same skin care products that have worked well in the past. In summer, you may not have such an issue with maintaining skin hydration; instead may need products that control oil generation. Whereas in winter, it’s a completely different ball game. The skin may start to look scaly and itchy if not moisturized.
Ms. Vanity Vault highly recommends that you avoid products that contain alcohol and fragrances. These deplete your skin hydration faster than you can say “Pippity Poppity Pop”.
If your current skincare regimen includes AHAs and Retinoids, we suggest that you go easy on them during winter. There are two advantages to this. First, AHA and Retinoids are known to cause dryness to the skin which might escalate during the dry winter spell. Second, allow your skin to have a break from the constant usage, this may stop the skin from becoming dependent on it. It is a known fact that anything you use for a prolonged period makes your skin dependent on it. Allow your skin to retain its natural oil regulation.
The trick is to keep your skin hydrated at all times during winter. Ms. Vanity Vault supports the idea of seeking out products that include Hyaluronic Acid (it locks in hydration without making skin look greasy) and if your skin is super dry then add products that include Glycerin.
Be sure to invest in a good moisturizer body cream for winter. Here are a few that our panel recommends.
4. Continue To Apply Sunscreen During Winter.
We cannot stress enough about Sunscreen during winter. Yes! You heard it right, “During winter”. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, UV rays have been linked to Skin Cancer. Did you know that snow reflects the sun’s rays? This puts your skin at greater risk during winter when this phenomenon alleviates your exposure to UV.
The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends that you apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a water-resistant SPF 30 containing moisturizing ingredients such as glycerin to every part of the skin exposed while you are out in the snow.
Looking for a sunscreen that's gentle on your skin but also provides effective protection from the sun's harmful rays? Look no further than CeraVe sunscreen! With its unique blend of ceramides and hyaluronic acid, this sunscreen not only helps protect your skin from the sun but also helps to hydrate and nourish it, leaving you with a healthy, glowing complexion. Plus, its lightweight, non-greasy formula makes it easy to apply and wear all day long, without feeling heavy or sticky.
5. Stay Hydrated
Make water your best friend. Ms. Vanity has been advocating a solid 2-liter daily intake of H2O as the most effective and efficient solution for treating a variety of issues. Keeping hydrated addresses a lot of issues.
RELATED: 10 Amazing Effects of Drinking Water.
If you are not in the habit of drinking enough water, you might think you are never really thirsty. That’s because you have rewired your mind into thinking of thirst as hunger.
Take this challenge, for the next 3 days set an hourly timer during the day reminding yourself to drink a glass (8 ounces) of water.
After three days, your body will differentiate between hunger and thirst. Notice the difference in how you feel and look.
This positive conditioning will not only allow you to replenish your body’s hydration level but has several benefits that include helping in maintaining a healthy balanced relationship with food.
RELATED: Why We Need To Be More Vigilant About Keeping A check On Our Hydration Levels
We would love to hear what's your hack for maintaining glowy skin in winter. Drop in comments below.
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