Winter Skincare Routine For Dry Skin

Winter months are right up ahead. Some people love the cold winter air, me not so much because of how much havoc it wreaks on my skin. Not many think twice about changing their skincare routine when seasons change, but once you do, you’ll notice what a difference it makes on how your skin feels and how your complexion looks.

Why Does Skin Become Dry In The Winter?

Winter months usually bring colder and dryer air making the water in your skin evaporate more quickly. Your skin loses more than 25 percent of its ability to hold moisture in the winter. The lower humidity and windy weather also add to the dry and chapped feeling.

Skincare Regimen To Prevent Dry Skin

Cleanse - Don’t just use any regular cleanser. Look for one that specifically hydrates as it washes away impurities. Many face washes are harsh on the skin and strip the skin of natural oils. Try using products made with glycerin or essential oils and soap-free formulas when possible.

Hydrating Mask - Sheet masks are a great way to fix extremely dry skin fast. It’s basically a piece of cloth saturated in hydrating ingredients to penetrate the skin more effectively and faster. Use masks that contain hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and hydrating oils like avocado, jojoba, and marula for that extra boost of moisture. Another key tip is to remove the mask before it dries. You may think you’ll get more ingredients to penetrate your skin if left on longer, but it actually wicks away some of the moisture when it dries.

Moisturize - Choosing a heavier moisturizer will help combat against dry skin. Look for ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, glycerin, ceramide, and dimethicone to hydrate, and lanolin, mineral oil, and petroleum to lock in moisture.

Sunscreen - It is always important to apply sunscreen even when it’s not scorching hot outside. It’ll protect your skin from damaging UVA/UVB rays. Look for a sunscreen that protects as well as provides moisturizing benefits.

Antioxidant Serum - Antioxidants help your skin defend against free radicals and reduce inflammation. Antioxidants also help provide the skin with hydration and increase moisture retention to revitalize dull-looking skin.